Once again we couldn’t help ourselves but to highlight the exceptional work of geniuses at Google (or rather their advertising agency). All in all this is a fantastic ad; simple, honest and heartfelt. Many can relate to this experience, and it rings true to anyone who has ever explored a new city by looking online. The only thing that we feel brings the ad down is the last couple of searches as if all of life’s journeys ultimately end in two things, marriage and a child (come on, a baby’s laugh? It’s a little cheesy). We personally would have liked the final text be in French, which would have shown off a whole lot more of Google’s actual capacity then trying to leave viewers with a shallow family-friendly ending. We understand the target that this is going after, and despite the end, overall it succeeds brilliantly.

Got Talent is one of the most popular TV series of the last several years, broadcasted on hundreds of channels around the world. It has captured the interest of all of those who are gifted with a talent—and even many that aren’t. The concept started in the UK by host Simon Cowell, although it was America’s Got Talent that cemented the show as an international platform for singers, dancers, musicians, magicians, comedians, and other performers of all ages.

In a recent move to bring the series closer to local audiences, MBC group has partnered with the Got Talent franchise in order to give the Arab world the chance to show off their talents to a wider public. Casting calls are being made in the month of March and are open to peoples of all ages and all backgrounds (provided they can speak Arabic).

In previous seasons of the Got Talent show, we have seen acts that have both horrified and amazed audiences, with judges screaming everything from rude obscenities to YES YOU CAN! Notable acts like Susan Boyle—who was mocked the moment she was on stage—broke all conventions after just a few seconds on stage, leaving the crowd’s eyes wide open and jaws dropped from her incredible voice. Maybe one of you out there can do the same…

During the first season of Arabs Got Talent, which will be aired on MBC4, the public can register online and will be chosen accordingly by talent and availabilities. From heartfelt performances to hilarious gags, we can’t wait to see who’s got talent in the Arab world!

Get on stage at http://riyadhciti.com/2010/02/arabs-got-talent/.

It’s a sign of rebellion, passion, sincerity and humanitarianism. Those born in a Tiger year are thought to possess all of these traits, and as we start a new page in the Chinese Lunar Calendar—which officially begins on February 14th—it is indeed time for the Tiger.

There are several interpretations of the Legend of the 12 Animals, which gives rise to the correlation of the year with an animal. Some say that the creatures of Earth became quarrelsome many years ago, and the Chinese god Jade Emperor decided to give each creature a year of its own. A race was ordered to determine which animal had which year, and twelve animals were chosen to participate. Cunning and sly, the Rat won the race, followed by the Ox, the Tiger, the Rabbit, the Dragon, the Snake, the Horse, the Goat, the Monkey, the Rooster, the Dog and finally the Pig.

Others say that during the celebration of the Chinese New Year many years ago, Buddha called upon all the creatures of the land to bid him farewell before he departed the earth. To his disappointment, only 12 animals came forth. The first to arrive was the charming rat, who they say nimbly bounced off the Ox to beat him by a nose. The hard working and plodding Ox was close behind, followed by the charismatic Tiger and the rest of the animals. Buddha then declared that he would reward the animals by naming a year after each of them, and those born on that year would possess the qualities of the reigning animal.

Notable “Tigers” include American actress Marilyn Monroe, German musician Ludwig Van Beethoven, Queen Elizabeth II of England, and Hollywood star Leonardo diCaprio.

What is your sign?

As the concerns about the global warming and climate changes affect all of us around the globe, the UAE has established its own unique approach to encourage public awareness and resource conservation. On February 17, 2009, The Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi in collaboration with the Emirates Wildlife Society (EWS) and Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF) launched a campaign centered on the websitewww.heroesoftheuae.ae.

The aim of this campaign is for everyone around the UAE to take action in being energy efficient and to raise awareness of the shortages of energy resources. The campaigns website contains a forum for the public to show their support for saving energy. Despite the many serious environmental problems lingering in the world, this website points out available and successful solutions adopted by everyday people.

The website features many graphics and animated images that explain the energy and environmental situation in a very simple manner. Cool features also include a list of energy saving tips and a calculator that can tell how households can save on their consumption. Other sections of the website show “green” case studies, some facts about the main issues in UAE, and competitions and quizzes for schools children.

This campaign really is a thoughtful gesture from the UAE for the sake of saving our planet. As they say, everyone should act now because anyone can be a hero.

Many online matchmakers have made a fortune from the millions of digital users around the world. With high hopes, users tend to use such website to meet their significant other or their soul mates. Try as they might, many of these endeavors end unsuccessfully.

Online dating sites are now going to the extreme with their methodologies, using methods such as genetic testing or brain chemistry questionnaires that aim to let the users know more about their partner.

Companies such as Scientificmatch.com have a fee of $2000 for life which uses a DNA sample from a person to test for compatibility with partners. Another website following the trace is Chemistry.com. The website develops a questionnaire by a biological anthropologist to match up registered users for only $50 per month.

It may sound silly, but the industry of online dating makes $976 million a year! Either online dating is actually working for some, or bachelors just have too much extra cash that don’t know where to spend it. With the insignificant fee that some website are requesting, it would be a lot less expensive than going out for dinner. Something to think about for the future…

If you spend most of your time at a desk or sitting in meetings, you know that it takes a lot of work to maintain a healthy physique that you can be proud of. While exercising and sleeping are extremely important, there’s no denying that you are what you eat. A lot of research has been conducted regarding the diet plan in respect to one’s body, and we recently discovered that there are also plans depending on one’s blood type. A well-known concept “Blood Type Diet” is a plan based on the research conducted by Dr. Peter D’Adamo, and some of us at O2 have decided to give it a try. Maybe it will for you!

Type A should basically stick to fruits and vegetables (high carbs / low fat). They have thicker blood than other blood types, a sensitive immune system, and should not consume dairy products, animal fats and meats. They are at a heightened risk for cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer.

Type B should consume a balanced diet that includes fruits and vegetables, grains, fish, dairy, meat. However, they should avoid chicken as much as possible. Type B have great chances of overcoming many types of diseases that include heart disease and cancer.

Type AB individuals should consume a mostly vegetarian diet, and only on rare occasions have fish, meat, and diary. Just like type B, they should not consume chicken.

Type O, which is the most common blood type among people, should basically stick to a high protein diet that includes red meat, low carbs, and enriched with fruits and vegetables. They should limit the intake of wheat germ, whole wheat products, corn, and avoid dairy products and most nuts. Type O types are commonly affected with hypothyroidism, high stomach acid that leads to ulcers, and thinner blood with greater resistance to blood clotting.

Choosing the right snacks for your office breaks is incredibly important to maintain a good work/life balance. If you don’t know your blood type, go to your local doctor and find out today! It could be the key to a healthier you…

Arab Business Leaders

Within this monthly forum, O2 takes a look at some of the most influential Arab business leaders shaping today’s markets. These individuals have achieved incredible success while advancing best practices in their respective industries. If you know someone who you think fits this description, let us know at editor@pr2live.com.

Lubna Olayan
She is one of the most influential business women and was listed as the top 100 most influenmtial people of 2005 by Time magazine. Ms. Olayan was born on August the 4th, 1955, to a Saudi business man, Suliman Olayan, and mother Maryam Abdulwahab, and has many significant achievements in the world of business.

Ms. Lubna Olayan is the chief executive officer of the Olayan Financing Company (OFC). The company was founded in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1947 by her father Suliman Olayan. OFC is a private multinational enterprise engaged in distribution, manufacturing, services, and investments. OFC operates in more than 40 countries and is one of the largest investors in the Saudi and regional stock markets.

Ms. Lubna’s first significant appearance was in 2004 where she was the first woman in Saudi history to deliver an opening keynote at a major conference at the Jeddah Economic Forum. Also in the same year, she was elected to the board of Saudi Hollandi Bank. In 2006 and 2007, Ms. Olayan joined the International Advisory Boards of Rolls Royce and Citigroup. She is also the member of the International Business Council of the World Econonic Forum and the International Advisory Board of the Council on Foreign Relations.

She also has significant roles in Saudi Arabia where she joined the Advisory Board of Effat College, a private and non-profit girl’s college in Jeddah.

Prince Al-Waleed Bin Talal
The most significant figures in today’s Arab business world
From banking to media, one of the most significant figures in today’s Arab business world is Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud.

Prince Al-Waleed was born on March 7, 1955 to his father Prince Talal, the son of the founding king of Saudi Arabia, and his mother Mona Al-Solh, the Daughter of Lebanon’s first Prime Minister Riyad Al-Solh.

As a young man, Prince Al-Waleed completed his undergraduate studies in Menlo College in 1979 with a degree in business adminstration. Later on in 1985, he earned his master’s degree at the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs in the U.S.

His business career started right after his graduation from Menlo College in 1979. His business activities as an investor started when he bought shares in Citicorp in the 1990s when the firm was in distress. Now, his holdings in Citigroup account for $1billion, nearly double his initial investments in the 1990s of $550 million. After his investments in Citibank, he earned an international nickname as being the Saudi Warren Buffett.

Later, he made he made significant investments in large media companies such as AOL, Apple Inc., Motorola, News Corporation Ltd and other companies. Prince Al-Waleed also holds 10% stake in Euro Disney SCA, as well as real estate holdings in Four Seasons hotel chain and Plaza Hotel in New York.

Early in 2005, Al-Waleed purchased Savoy Hotel in London to be managed by Fairmont Hotels—in which he owns 16% stake. As of 2008, there are plans to construct the tallest building in the world, The Tower of One Mile. The tower , which is proposed by Al-Waleed’s own company, Kingdom Holding Company, is said to be a super tall skyscraper and the tallest tower in the world with a height of one mile (1609 meters).

In August 2009, his fortune was estimated to be US$16.3 billion and was ranked the 22nd richest person in the world.

Dr.Saad H. Al Barrak
The Deputy Chairman and the Managing Director of Zain
Dr. Saad Al Barrak is the Deputy Chairman and the Managing Director of Zain, one of the leading telecommunication companies in the Middle East. Al Barrak, of Kuwaiti nationality, is a distinguished engineer and businessman of international reputation.

He holds a BSc in Electrical Engineering, an MSc in Systems Engineering from Ohio University, and a PhD in Information Systems & Technology Management from the University of London. He is also an alumnus of Harvard University.

Prior to his appointment with Zain (previously known as MTC), Dr. Al Barrak was Managing Director of International Turnkey Systems (ITS), one of the leading IT companies in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Under Dr. Al Barrak, ITS’s revenues grew from $5 million in 1985 to exceed $100 million in 2000.

Dr. Al Barrak was Vice-Chairman of the Social Development Office (SDO) of the Amiri Diwan in Kuwait; Chairman of Egyptian software developer IT Soft; Chairman of Arab Telecom; and a non-executive Director of Arab Management Association in Cairo.

Since his appointment as the CEO in 2002, Zain’s customer base has increased from 600,000 to a conglomerate of 24 operations with over 70 million active customers across the Middle East and Africa. In this period, Zain’s market capitalization on the Kuwait Stock Exchange has increased from less than US$2.5 billion to exceed $20 billion (September 30, 2009).

In 2003, he received the ‘E-businessman of the Year’ award in the region. Later in 2005, he received the Middle East’s ‘CEO of the Year’ award in the Information Communication Technology sector.

In September 2007, Dr. Al Barrak received the 2007 Lifetime Achievement Award from leading industry magazine COMMSMEA. Dr. Al Barrak is also an Executive Board Member of Celtel International and a Member of the Board of the GSM Association.

Sulayem tells Arab drivers to capitalise on golden era

Dubai.   Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the most successful Arab driver in motor sport history, says the region’s current generation of hopefuls must capitalise on a golden era which could take one of them all the way to the top level in circuit racing.

Sulayem, winner of a record 14 Middle East rally titles and a glut of other international awards, believes there is little to stop an Arab driver finding success at the highest level now that the region has developed its own world-class motor sport venues.

He says the introduction of the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East is another positive development at a time when the region is attracting an increasing amount of international attention and respect.

“In the past, it was difficult to see an Arab driver go far in circuit racing because they would need to spend so much time in Europe,” said Sulayem. “It’s a different story now, as we have our own tracks, including two of the best in the world in Abu Dhabi and Bahrain. This is a golden era for someone with talent and dedication.”

Five challengers from the new Porsche GT3 Cup series get the kind of opportunity which Sulayem sees as priceless during the upcoming Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix race programme on 13-14 March

Championship leader Prince Abdulaziz Al Faisal, Bahrain’s Sheikh Salman bin Rashid Al Khalifa,  Abu Dhabi’s Khaled Al Qubaisi, and Saudi’s Bandar Alesayi and Fahad Algosaibi, have all been given special invitations to line up in the first two rounds of the 2010 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup that weekend.

“I don’t know how much ambition they have. But being in a professionally run series like they are they must be serious about motor sport and so they should take full advantage of opportunities like this when they come along,” said Sulayem, President of the ATCUAE and Vice President of the FIA, motor sport’s world governing body.

“They’ll have the chance to measure themselves against more experienced and faster drivers from Europe, and should learn as much as they can. They’ll also be sharing the stage with the stars of Formula One, and they shouldn’t take that lightly.”

“I was always keen to learn what I could when I met and competed with great drivers like Bjorn Waldegard, Ari Vatanen and Carlos Sainz. You can soak up so much just by watching and listening to them.”

Prince Abdulaziz has a 45-point lead in the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East which is sponsored by Michelin and Mobil 1 and was launched at the Bahrain Grand Prix Circuit back in December.

He can now clinch the title on home territory later this month, with Rounds 9 and 10 to be held at Reem International Circuit, outside Riyadh, on March 24-25 and the final two rounds taking place there the following week.
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The Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup has been supporting the FIA Formula One World Championship since 1993 and is the world’s fastest and most spectacular international one make professional race series.

Captions: Action from the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East - Mohammed Ben Sulayem says the series is another positive development for the region

• Initiative to strengthen the role of libraries in enhancing literary scene and education
• Eight public libraries in strategic community locations to promote intercultural dialogue
• Easy guidance in finding books; online public access catalogues and Ebrary service for members

Dubai, UAE; March 10, 2010:  The Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), the Emirate’s dedicated authority for culture, heritage and the arts, has introduced a brand new identity and development plan for the Dubai Public Library, following the transfer of the eight Public Libraries in Dubai under its umbrella.

The new identity is the first step in Dubai Culture’s strategic plan to strengthen the role of the Dubai Public Libraries and reposition them as community-oriented centres that enhance public education and knowledge.

The Public Libraries are also envisaged to drive intercultural dialogue through an array of activities including story–telling sessions, author visits and book-signing events over the coming months. 

Dubai Culture has currently launched and is showcasing the new identity of the Dubai Public Libraries at the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature and will also host visiting authors.

Saeed Al Nabouda, Chief Projects Officer, Dubai Culture, said that the new brand identity and development plan reflect the vision of the Authority to further enhance the role of the Dubai Public Library in fostering community building through knowledge pursuits.

“At a basic level, the initiatives are aimed at strengthening reading habits among the public and creating a culture of knowledge and learning. From a wider community perspective, the libraries are expected to enhance the literary scene of Dubai and provide people with opportunities for self-development. On its cultural context, the libraries will serve as a building platform for driving creativity, intercultural dialogue and strengthening the educational fabric of Dubai.”

The Dubai Public Library offers members a wealth of educational experiences including access to books in several languages from around the world, referral materials, audio-visual materials including films and CDs, and a vast pool of study and research databases.

In addition to accessing a public online catalogue, members can benefit from the Ebrary, an advanced library software of immense value to students and researchers that provides online access to over 52,000 books including reference materials – an effective link to keep up-to-date with the latest reading and learning material from across the world.

Another important tool that is of value to readers and researchers is the Oxford Islamic Studies Online, an authoritative resource that brings the best current scholarships for students, community groups, scholars and librarians to gain a better understanding of the Islamic world. 

In addition to a rich collection of literary and on-line resources suited for children and students, the dedicated eight Children’s Libraries host a series of engaging activities including story telling sessions, cultural and educational film screenings, drawing competitions, exhibitions and training courses.

The Dubai Public Library, first established in 1963, has a rich history in shaping the city’s cultural fabric. Over the years, the libraries have served as a window to the literary heritage and collections of Dubai.

The Dubai Public Library is open from 8am to 9pm on all weekdays. Membership is open to all UAE and GCC nationals as well as UAE residents and UAE-registered organisations. The charges are AED75 as security deposit for children below 12 years; AED50 for five years and AED150 as security deposit for individuals; AED50 for five years and AED200 as security deposit for families and AED100 for five years and AED200 as security deposit for organisations

Dubai, UAE, March 9, 2010 – Stand out from the crowd this spring with Giordano’s bright and vibrant polos; this season focuses on Polo Tees in a medley of colours and stripes to catch the essence of spring.

“The polo is a timeless fashion essential that suits everyone and any occasion. Giordano’s spring collection brings to the table a range polos available in bold, diverse colours, such as Barcelona Blue and Ribbon Red,  and revamped designs; ideal for the upcoming season,” said Ishwar Chugani, Executive Director, Giordano ME

The men’s and women’s collection this spring focuses on a range of polos that were enhanced from an ordinary outfit into a more versatile addition to anyone’s wardrobe. The polo tees range from bold stripes on vibrant backgrounds, subtle stripes on collars and sleeves and plain polos in striking colours. Any of these polos can easily be paired up with basic denims or khakis that generate a bright and bold spring look.

“Spring is the season to bloom, bursting with new and innovative thinking, and it is this essence that we captured in our spring collection. This inspired the use of simple concepts such as stripes and colour that when combined, creates a vibrant new look to the start of a new season,” concluded Chugani.