AED 100,000 worth of instant prizes, including 64GB ipads and GiftCards up for grabs!

Mirdif City Centre will come alive this September with their Shop, Scratch & Win promotion

Dubai, UAE, September 2nd 2010: Winning a brand new 64GB ipad or one of hundreds of mall GiftCards is as simple as shopping and scratching this month, as Mirdif City Centre launches its “Shop, Scratch and Win” promotion from the 3rd to 15th  September.

Mirdif City Centre shoppers will have the chance to win instant prizes worth a whopping AED 100,000 simply by spending AED 300 at any of Mirdif City Centre’s 430 stores and receiving an instant win scratch card.

Yousif Al Ali, Vice President of Mirdif City Centre, said: “This is the perfect time to shop for Eid, back-to-school and all the latest fashion collections, and Mirdif City Centre has it all: from fashion to dining, to houseware and entertainment!

“We are always looking for ways to add fun, excitement and value to the Mirdif City Centre shopping experience and what better way to do this than with the thrill of our instant daily win “Shop, Scratch and Win” campaign. We look forward to rewarding our valued customers and with hundreds of instant prizes up for grabs, worth a massive AED 100,000 and we are certain that Mirdif City Centre will be buzzing with enthusiasm throughout the month of September,” added Al Ali.

To add to the excitement of the daily prizes, the Mall will also be hosting exclusive live mini shows of the popular Freej TV series in the Central Galleria daily from September 9th to 13th. So hurry along soon to be a part of the Mirdif City Centre September excitement!
  

Ramadan Exhibition at Deira City Centre

Dubai, UAE, September 1, 2010: Deira City Centre is celebrating Arabic culture this Ramadan by staging its extremely popular exhibition for the third year in a row, at its Centre Stage, displaying symbols of traditional Emirati life.

Cultural icons such as the date palm tree, water well, henna hand painting and a falcon display remind visitors about the history of this part of the world, while they enjoy fresh dates and Arabic coffee at the exhibition. The centre of attraction for this display is a pair of animatronic lifelike camels which fascinate adults and children no end.

The exhibition that will help visitors and residents, who are new to the culture, learn about its roots, will be on until the end of Eid festivities. The mall will also be distributing free chocolates during Eid for its shoppers.

Deira City Centre is also urging its visitors to make a difference this Ramadan by donating specific items such as spectacles, clothes, books and mobile phones to the needy people through the Red Crescent Society. 

ZyXEL’s New ZyWALL USG 50/20/20W Series Ensures Optimal Network Protection and Performance for Small Businesses

ZyXEL's New ZyWALL

New Delhi, September 01, 2010 – ZyXEL Communications, the world’s leading broadband access solutions provider, announces today, the ZyWALL USG 50/20/20W Series. The latest Unified Security Gateway Series which provides integrated, complete, and advanced enterprise-class solutions to help satisfy the security needs of small businesses.

As network demand and usage rapidly increases for businesses, then network threats also become an unavoidable problem that businesses must deal with. For small businesses without a dedicated IT team, how to overcome the challenge of protecting their networks is one the most important issues they have to face. Small businesses, like large companies, cannot afford to put their customers’ records, financial information, intellectual property and other critical resources at risk in this network environment. With the new ZyWALL USG 50/20/20W Series, it is easy for small businesses to meet all of these security demands and needs, while having optimum protection.

Powered with an integrated, high-performance security processor and a proven Gigabit fiber architecture, the new ZyWALL USG50/20/20W Series features real-time inspection during operation of the content filter with granular control. It ensures that all content flowing through the network is seamlessly and flawlessly inspected and that network threats are blocked without hampering the throughput efficiency, simultaneously optimizing protection and performance, while filtering applications, such as file loading, e-mailing and information searches, are processed at higher speeds. Meanwhile, the unique clean-traffic feature for inspection also protects the network against risks such as viruses and other internet threats to assure business operation efficiency and high network performance.

Social media, such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube, has become popular with people to communicate and share information and they are also good marketing tools to deliver product or service information to customers for businesses. According to research, 77% of people connect to Facebook while at work and some of them use Facebook for as much as two hours per day at the workplace. Social media usage by employees for personal reasons may cause an employee’s productivity to suffer, increase bandwidth waste, and also increase scareware threats to their employer’s business. With the maximum protection and performance provided by the ZyWALL USG 50/20/20W Series, business productivity and efficiency are maximized while not violating any human resource policies.

While non-stop network security protection is a must-have, small businesses will have to measure the trade-offs between energy savings and performance. The ZyWALL USG 50/20/20W Series, as the world’s first green security products, incorporate power saving features to effectively reduce energy costs through smart power consumption management. Powered by ZyXEL’s exclusive IntelliEnergy Green Technology, the ZyWALL USG 50/20/20W Series can automatically detect network traffic, link status and temperature and then adjust the power consumption accordingly. This “Green Technology” will benefit businesses in reducing their power consumption by up to 80%.

As network threats increase in number and sophistication, small businesses, even with limited resources, will still need this continuously updated protection while minimizing costs. The USG 50/20/20W Series provides lifetime care that protects your IT investments. Customers can download up-to-date firmware on ZyXEL’s website without any additional cost for the duration of the product’s life. No complicated effort or additional expense is involved. 

Availability

To find a local ZyXEL distributor or for more information about ZyXEL’s products, please visit http://www.zyxel.com/web/where_tobuy.php

Masterchef 8000 pic

France’s Moulinex creates Masterchef 8000 for the Gulf region that makes food and juice preparation easier than ever before with the direct drive technology.

Featuring a special front use appliance with a powerful 850 watt motor incorporating a 1.5 litre blender, preparing a meal is faster than ever.

Masterchef 8000 from Moulinex - the world’s leading domestic appliance manufacturer – is a versatile device for the kitchen. It works on two speeds plus pulse, with the premium model incorporating a citrus press for extracting juice, with a plastic dough blade for preparing pastries, metal blade and whisk for general mixing and blending tasks and a storage box to stow the bowl when not in use.

Masterchef 8000 is designed for heavy use with full metal whisks and disks for perfect cutting, fine grating and slicing and a metal grid in the juice extractor for added durability.

Dubai American Scientific School partners with leading American education group to roll out innovative approach to learning

September 1, 2010

Dubai American Scientific School (DASS), a private school providing high-quality American education in Dubai, has recently signed an agreement with Mosaica Education, Inc., a global leader in education reform, to implement a new education model tailor-made for schools in the Middle East and North Africa. Under the agreement, the specially developed education model, which combines the best practices of the American education system with the region’s cultural values and heritage, will initially be implemented at DASS in Dubai and will gradually be introduced to other private schools as part of a wide-scale initiative to overhaul and enhance the education system across the region.

Up to 80 per cent of the UAE population is made up of foreign nationals, while several other countries in the Middle East likewise feature a high percentage of expatriate population. This highlights the importance of implementing a specialised education model that considers the cultural diversity present in schools across the region.

Hikmat AlHaj Al-Kaitoob, Vice Chairman, DASS, said: “With its rich history of contribution to knowledge, the Middle East is a natural venue for such a powerful partnership and a groundbreaking learning concept. Having a student population that represents diverse cultures, the Dubai American Scientific School, for its part, is uniquely positioned to launch this education model, which we hope to introduce throughout the region. DASS had been on the lookout for the best K-12 education provider and we are pleased that Mosaica has come up with an education model that we believe is best suited for the Middle East. We are thrilled to be part of this groundbreaking initiative, which we believe will also complement the goal of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, of raising the standards and quality of education in the region.”

Michael J Connelly, Chief Executive Officer of Mosaica, added: “Mosaica has developed a new educational model that integrates the best practices of the American education system with the region’s cultural values and heritage, optimising the learning experience and protecting the sensitivities of children from different cultural backgrounds. We believe that Dubai American Scientific School is the ideal partner for the launch of this education model because of the school’s excellent track record and its unique schooling philosophy that embraces modern and innovative education concepts. We are confident that DASS will successfully help us illustrate the great value and importance of the new education model, which will ultimately encourage private investors, governments and other education stakeholders to adopt this powerful education concept in private and public schools across the Middle East.”

DASS is a high-quality K-12 private school in Dubai that is renowned for its unique and modernschooling philosophy that applies the rules of scientific research to the education model. The school features a highly competent teaching staff and is managed by a school board made up of prominent members of the UAE’s education sector.

Mosaica currently operates over 80 elementary, middle and high school programs in the USA and other countries, and has served more than 40,000 students in the last 13 years. Building on its extensive experience working with a variety of schools, Mosaica has been developing independent and private schools around the world, providing quality education programs tailored to their particular needs and cultures.

Key photovoltaic materials and marine coatings help demonstrate transportation with lower environmental impact can be achieved

September 1, 2010

PlanetSolar

DuPont will provide innovations in photovoltaic modules and high-performance marine coatings to PlanetSolar, the largest solar boat ever built.  PlanetSolar is a 31 meter-long and 15 meter-wide catamaran covered by 500 square meters of photovoltaic solar panels that will power an electric motor.  In 2011, the boat will undertake the first world tour powered by solar energy — demonstrating that renewable energy and technology can be applied today to achieve sustainable transportation.

“Using technology and our knowledge to improve our energy efficiency and promote renewable energies is the path toward a lasting world.  PlanetSolar wants to show that solutions exist,” said Raphael Domjan, founder and skipper of the project.

“PlanetSolar is more than a solar boat.  It is the very concrete demonstration of how science and technology can transform the sun’s potential into clean energy.  This project showcases solutions that help raise mainstream awareness of sustainable alternatives in the transportation industry.  We are very proud to be part of this project,” said Ian Hudson, president — DuPont Europe, Middle East & Africa.

The photovoltaic modules used to power the boat are exposed to a harsh marine environment.  The full range of materials that make up these solar modules must be highly durable.  For example, DuPont™ Tedlar® polyvinyl fluoride (PVF) film, used as a component of the photovoltaic backsheet, is a key material that protects the PlanetSolar modules and ensures reliable power generation during the cruise.

The generation and storage of renewable energy is expected to be the fastest growing sector in the energy market for the next 20 years.  DuPont global sales target in the photovoltaic sector are planned to exceed $1 billion by 2012.  DuPont Photovoltaic Solutions is the leading technology supplier to the photovoltaic industry, with more than 25 years of experience in photovoltaic materials development, and a broad and growing portfolio of materials and technology solutions designed to work together to increase the efficiency and lifetime of photovoltaic modules.

PlanetSolar’s 1,300 square meter external surface and the whole interior area including the cockpit have been painted with high-performance DuPont Marine materials coatings.  The cockpit was painted with DuPont ™ PercoTop® 449, a topcoat system, while the external structure was painted with DuPont ™ Imron® Marine, which is designed to deliver excellent appearance, durability and eye-catching color.  These coatings are specifically developed for marine conditions.  UV resistant and extremely durable coatings are essential for the long-lasting performance of the boat.

DuPont – one of the first companies to publicly establish environmental goals 20 years ago – has broadened its sustainability commitments beyond internal footprint reduction to include market-driven targets for both revenue and research and development investment.  The goals are tied directly to business growth, specifically to the development of safer and environmentally improved new products for key global markets.

DuPont is a science-based products and services company.  Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by creating sustainable solutions essential to a better, safer, healthier life for people everywhere.  Operating in more than 70 countries, DuPont offers a wide range of innovative products and services for markets including agriculture and food; building and construction; communications; and transportation.

For more information, visit: http://www.planetsolar.org, http://photovoltaics.dupont.com, and http://coatingsolutions.dupont.com.

Dubai, UAE, 01 September 2010: Leading digital lifestyle provider and 2010 Red Dot Award winner BenQ has enhanced its home cinema projector offering with the new power-packed features of the W600+, its latest home cinema projector model. Equipped with 3D projection technology to bring viewers the same 3D effects as in 3D movies, the cutting-edge entertainment projector provides the ultimate multi-media viewing experience.

Manish Bakshi, General Manager of BenQ for the Middle East and Africa, said, “BenQ’s dedicated research and development department are always looking to create lifestyle products that meet a diverse range of requirements. Whether you want to enjoy an immersive, viewing experience watching a movie with the family at home, or are presenting images, graphs and charts at a meeting- the W600+ projector will bring every image to life.”

The W600+’s keystone adjustment technology prevents the distortion of graphs, charts and images, enabling an accurate and stress-free experience when conducting a presentation.

Offered for no added cost, the new BenQ W600+ projector comes with 3D glasses, content and video card. With 2600 ANSI lumen brightness, 4000:1 high contrast ratio, as well as other top visual technologies, viewers can enjoy the ultimate in multi-media viewing.

In- built with intuitive features such as comprehensive connectivity with Dual HDMI, the W600+ provides hassle-free, simultaneous hosting of digital devices such as Blu-ray players and gaming consoles.  The Dual HDMI feature allows one to switch from watching the latest blockbuster to playing your favourite Playstation 3 game without needing to switch cables.

BenQ’s W600+ is priced at AED 3549 and is currently available at all major retail outlets across the Middle East. For further information, please visit www.BenQ.co.ae

Program is part of local arbitration centre’s legal security initiatives aimed at promoting Sharjah as an attractive investment hub

August 31, 2010

The Sharjah International Commercial Arbitration Centre (SICAC), a dispute resolution body operating under the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), has recently announced completion of the third phase of its integrated training program. The training, which was held in partnership with the Emirates International Law Centre, covered a series of workshops and lectures aimed at improving the arbitration and dispute handling skills of Sharjah based arbitrators. The program is part of SICAC’s continued commitment to help reduce and resolve labor and commercial arbitration issues in the emirate while also helping in the efforts to package Sharjah as a safe and attractive investment destination in the Middle East region.

The program was attended by academics and specialists in the area of law and commercial arbitration. During the course of the training, participants submitted and reviewed working papers and reports that dealt with key issues and topics in arbitration such as the adoption and implementation of best practices in commercial arbitration and key experiments applied in local, regional and international labor disputes. The training sessions were conducted by leading law professors and arbitration specialists from the UAE and abroad.

Ahmad Saleh Al Ajlah, Assistant Director, SICAC, said, “Investors today are always on the lookout for potential investment destinations that can provide them with a safe and secure business climate. Another requirement these investors look for is the presence of a credible arbitration body that can help them in settling possible disputes – providing them with speedy yet sound solutions; flexible handling of procedures and services at low costs. Confidentiality is also a big factor here. Conducting a sound arbitration proceeding prevents the disputed parties from divulging company secrets and allows them to continue to work together even after the dispute has been settled.” 

SICAC is committed to the development of prospects and strategies in arbitration handling and its promotion as an effective means of solving commercial and business disputes. The centre also aims to help ease the burdens of the local judiciary by reducing the fees of the Arbitration Centre in Sharjah and the cost of services for arbitrators, which can thereby lead to an increase in the number of cases received by the Centre.

The centre aims to promote the culture of arbitration among legal specialists, professionals and businessmen in the local, regional and international levels by conducting seminars, training courses and workshops and organising international conferences. The centre currently maintains a list of outstanding arbitrators that can be recommended to help handle mediation proceedings between disputing parties.

Luxurious project located on top of Harissa Mountain in Lebanon to complement growing demand in country’s real estate market

August 31, 2010

Noor International Holding, a leading Lebanese real estate development company, has announced the launch of ‘Harissa Elite Residence’, the company’s latest real estate development project that seeks to combine state-of-the-art luxury urban living with natural beauty. The project, which is one of the many real estate projects recently launched by Noor International Holding, is part of a strategic plan to reach out to a wider Lebanese market and also complement the increasing property demand in Lebanon’s real estate sector.

The ‘Harissa Elite Residence’ is located in Harissa, Lebanon, which is famous for its sprawling mountainous landscapes and coastal shorelines. The project will be made up of five-storey residential buildings to be built according to modern world-class construction standards. Each unit will be furnished with upscale services and facilities offering high levels of security and comfort, such as advanced power generation and electrical services and a smart, environment-friendly water control and filtering system.

Dr. Mohammed Saleh, Chairman, Noor International Holding, said, “The Harissa Elite Residence is the latest addition to our current portfolio of world-class luxury development projects. The project aims to combine high-end urban living with nature’s beauty in the background. The Harissa Elite Residence will allow residents to enjoy spectacular mountain and beach views while staying in a unit that provides luxury living to the fullest.”

The launch of ‘Harissa Elite Residence’ will complement the host of landmark real estate projects that Noor International Holding is currently involved with in Lebanon and abroad. Among the key Lebanon-based projects of the group are ‘The Canadian Town’ in Aramoun, which consists of 22 buildings; ‘Sawfar Country Club,’ comprising 148 residential units; five projects in Dohat Al Hoss and four modern buildings in Khalde (Khalde Hills); Beyout Al Yasmin in Azza; La Rosa in Bekaa; and Al-Khaled project that holds two residential buildings located in Jiyeh Hills (Zarout). Aside from these current line of projects, Noor International Holding will soon be announcing new projects in Bsalim, Laqlouq and Koura; in addition to Noor Beirut project that comprises two residential 14-storey high rise towers located in Bshara Al Khoury at a close proximity from Beirut Central District.

Meanwhile, Noor International Holding is currently awaiting government approval for the development of a project called ‘Cedar Island’– an artificial Cedar tree-shaped island to be located along the Lebanese coast.

John Guest & Mohammad Harb

August 31, 2010 - Misys, a market leader in providing integrated, comprehensive solutions that deliver significant results to organisations in the banking and financial industry, has announced that it has recently appointed Mohammad Harb as Head of Islamic Banking Business Development. Harb will be responsible for promoting Misys’ state-of-the-art Islamic banking solutions to existing and potential clients in the Middle East and Africa.

With more than 13 years of IT experience in the banking sector, Harb has in-depth knowledge and expertise in converting conventional banks into Islamic operations in the region as well as extensive hands-on experience in software products management. He has also successfully managed the roll out of core banking systems for many conventional and Islamic banks in the Middle East and Africa.

“Misys has further strengthened its professional expertise with the arrival of Mr. Mohammad Harb,” states John Guest , Solution Consulting  Director - Middle East & Africa, Misys. “His extensive experience in the regional market will give us greater leverage to address the evolving demands of our clients in the Middle East. Our efforts to invest in the best talent available are crucially important as the Islamic marketplace continues to open new business prospects. With several banking institutions increasingly requiring specialised solutions, like Misys BankFusion Islamic banking to optimise efficiency and productivity, we are well positioned to continue to bring value to our customers.”

Mohammad Harb adds: “It is always a great pleasure to be part of a distinguished organisation such as Misys. We will focus on further expanding our presence in the region by enhancing our product portfolio and targeting key high-growth market segments.”

Misys provides its BankFusion Islamic Banking and Finance solution for retail and corporate banking clients. The software supports a wide range of Islamic Finance products, including Murabaha, Ijarah, Istisna, Musharaka and Tawarruq, together with Islamic Profit calculation and distribution.

In the banking, treasury and capital markets, Misys holds sway as a market leader with over 1,200 customers, including all of the world’s top 50 banks. As a leading solutions provider in the healthcare industry, Misys caters to more than 110,000 physicians in 18,000 practice locations and 600 home care providers. Misys employs around 4,500 people who serve customers in more than 120 countries.