- Avnet Technology Solutions invites channel partners and end users for a two-day-training program on HP Networking Solutions in Iraq -

Dubai, UAE, December 12th, 2011 –Avnet Technology Solutions, an IT solutions distribution leader and an operating group of Avnet, Inc. (NYSE: AVT), will hold a special training program “HP Networking Academy” in association with HP Networking division. As part of Avnet’s Value Add program the training is designed to enrich the skill set of channel partners and to update them on latest developments.

Fadi Bawab, Channel Manager Iraq, Avnet Technology Solutions, said, “Most of the existing channel trainings are held outside of Iraq. Due to high travel cost and existing visa issues this means that the majority of local channel partners and customers from Iraq miss out opportunities to update themselves with the latest technology. We believe that this academy will provide a great platform for many more local partners and end users to be on a par with rest of the region”.

The two-day academy will be held on 20th and 21st December 2011 in Erbil, Iraq. The first day of the academy will host end users and customers along with key partners, while the second day is exclusively for local channel partners coming from all parts of Iraq.

Experts from both Avnet and HP will give an overview and technical training on HP Networking products, including the latest developments and offerings, especially tailored for partners in Iraq.

For channel partners, the training includes the HP Networking certification as a special benefit.
HP will offer this certification free of cost as the certification has proven to enable channel partners to win more projects, as well as deploy and configure HP Networking solutions on their own in Iraq.

Osama AbdElHai, Channel Manager HPN, Avnet Technology Solutions, said, “Avnet has taken several training initiatives for the local channel partners and customers in Iraq before. It is our mission to support partners, to upgrade their knowledge base and skills sets and help them grow their business”.

If you want more information or if you wish to attend the training please contact Avnet Technology Solutions at +971 4 4387319 or send an email to ats.ae@avnet.com

Selection from Gulf Film Festival alongside films from Maghreb, Levant and Egypt

Dubai, UAE; October 31, 2011: Five short films depicting slices of life from around the Arabian Peninsula are screening in Cairo this week as part of the Goethe-Institut Cairo’s third Arab Shorts Festival. The films debuted in and are selected from Gulf Film Festival, the Dubai-based home of bold, contemporary and innovative cinema from the Arabian peninsula.

As part of the Goethe-Institut’s efforts to boost independent Arab cinema and media art at home and abroad, Arab Shorts is presenting 40 contemporary short films from across the Arab world, selected by 11 curators in eight distinct programmes. The showcase includes films from the Maghreb, Levant, Egypt and Gulf regions.

The Gulf showcase includes: from the UAE, Emirati director Khalid Al Mahmood’s award-winning film Sabeel, the story of two young boys in Ras Al Khaimah tending and selling vegetables to help their ailing grandmother.

From Bahrain, Mohammed Jassim’s The Power of Generations shines light on the developments that the region has witnessed from the beginning of time; and Omani filmmaker Amer Alrawas’ Spices narrates the stories of four individuals at the same moment in time.

Kuwaiti filmmaker Abdullah Boushahri Heaven’s Water is the story of a peddler who gets involved with a pregnant girl looking for a way out; while Belgium-Iraq production Land of the Heroes by director Sahim Omar Kalifa tells the story of two young children who want to watch cartoons on television at the peak of Iraq-Iran conflict.

The five films were curated by Masoud Amralla Al Ali, Artistic Director of the Dubai International Film Festival and Director of the Gulf Film Festival.

As part of its 8th edition, the Dubai International Film Festival is hosting a special cinema programme focused on Germany with the Goethe-Institut, which acts as a cultural ambassador for Germany around the world; German Films, in charge of marketing and promotion of German films and its film industry; and the Medienboard Berlin-Brandenburg, one of Europe’s premier film commissions involved in film funding and location development and marketing.

DIFF 2011 will be held from Dec 7 to 14, and is organised in association with Dubai Studio City. Dubai Duty Free, Dubai Pearl, Emirates Airline and Madinat Jumeirah, the home of the Dubai International Film Festival, are the principal sponsors of DIFF. The Festival is supported by the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority.

For more and updated information about DIFF, please visit www.dubaifilmfest.com or join DIFF on     and

- AOC continued to increase its presence across Middle East with the appointment of Al Seera Group as the authorized distributors in Iraq -

Zeyad Al-Sammaraie, Managing Director, Al Seera Group

Dubai, 22nd May, 2010 - AOC, art of colors, one of the leading monitor brands in the world further expanded its presence in Middle East with the appointment of Al Seera Computers as the authorized distributors in Iraq.

Zeyad Al-Sammaraie, Managing Director, Al Seera Group, said, “We believe that the IT users in Iraq will be extremely happy with AOC, as it offers a wide choice of eco-friendly, feature rich, high quality, ergonomically designed, value for money LCD/LED monitors. As both, Al Seera and AOC work towards same goal of providing excellent product at the best price for consumers and on other hand safeguarding the margins for our resellers. Hence, we are excited to introduce AOC to the Iraq market.”

Al Seera Group is one of the leading IT distribution company in Iraq with 5 showrooms, 2 service centre’s apart from its offices in Baghdad and Dubai. Al Seera is the authorized distributors for major IT brands in Iraq.

Al Seera Group was started in the year 2000 and since then it has grown reach across the length and breadth of Iraq with a reseller base of over 140 active resellers across the country.

Speaking on the occasion Suchit Kumar, DGM– AOC said, “Iraq is one of the key emerging market for IT products in the region and the dominance of Al Seera in IT distribution space will provide us a great platform to address the Iraq marketplace.”

Dubai, UAE; April 15, 2011: Windows into the fast-evolving Emirati cinema take centrestage on the third day of the fourth edition of Gulf Film Festival, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Majid Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture).

Today (Saturday, April 16, 2011), the festival is bringing a large cross-section of films by Emirati and UAE-based filmmakers, from students to professionals, all of which can be watched for free at the Grand Cinemas in Dubai Festival City. The three Indian films at GFF 2011 will also be screened today.

Assuring a family fun experience, the festival will screen the entire roster of ‘Cinema for Children’ today from 12 pm at Grand Cinema 10, which include such classics as the Canadian film, When Life Gives You Lemons, directed by Lee Chamber, a heart-warming tale about being the best salesman you can and William Joyce and Brandon Oldenburg’s The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore, a poignant, humorous allegory about the curative powers of story-telling.  Other films in the segment have been drawn from as far afield as Taiwan to Switzerland and the US.

Die-hard arthouse movie fans have a visual treat in store today as GFF 2011 screens master filmmaker Abbas Kiarostami’s retrospective of three films – Duck, Sea Eggs and Roads of Kiarostami – at 6.45 pm at Grand Cinema 9. They can also join the director on a free-wheeling conversation with the public – set to be a stimulating session for film lovers.

For serious film lovers, GFF 2011 screens The Flowers of Kirkuk, one of the only six feature films short-listed for the Gulf Competition –Features segment, at 9.30 pm at Grand Cinema 8. A co-production of Italy, Switzerland and Iraq and directed by Fariborz Kamkari, the film, about star-crossed lovers, transposes Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet to 1980s Iraq.

Emirati 2D animator and music composer Mohammad Fikree’s Mad Camel, and student-director Hamad Al Hammadi’s End of December, are both competing in the Gulf Competition – Students Shorts segment, and will be screened today, 3.15 pm at Grand Cinema 8. Abdulla Al-Kaabi’s critically acclaimed short film The Philosopher, Khalid Mahmood’s Sabeel, Koutaiba Al Janabi’s Leaving Baghdad, and Nujoom Alghanem’s Hamama, are among other Emirati films to be screened today.

Lovers of international cinema can catch an eclectic collection today, 9.45 pm at Grand Cinema 9, where a collection of six shorts will be screened. These include Greek director Yorgos Zois’ Casus Belli focuses on people from all walks of life waiting in seven different queues; Mehdi Alavi’s Parigot about a know-it-all hobo looking for food in Paris and his prey, a delivery man; and Hameed Ayubi’s Fakir’s Bicycle, set in Afghanistan, documenting a religious scholar who repairs bicycles for a living.

Also screening in the International Shorts selection are two Indian films Abhay Kumar’s award-winning experimental film Just that sort of a Day which follows people randomly, only to find a common thread among them, and Chaitanya Tamhane’s Six Strands, partially based on true stories, and inspired by the world famous Darjeeling tea industry and its undisclosed secrets.

The India-UAE-UK co-production, Love Arranged, directed by Dubai-based Soniya Kirpalani, exploring the retro-trend among Indian youth to seek love the traditional way, will be screened today in the Intersections segment of GFF 2011 from 6.15 pm at Grand Cinema 10.

GFF 2011 is screening 153 films from 31 nations until April 20. The festival is being held at the InterContinental Hotel, Crowne Plaza and Grand Cinemas at Dubai Festival City. The festival is supported by Dubai Culture & Arts Authority and is held in association with Dubai Studio City.

The Gulf Film Festival box office is open from 10.30 am to 10 pm daily at the Grand Cinemas Dubai Festival City. All patrons are welcome to up to two tickets per person on a first-come, first-served basis. The full schedule of films is also available online at www.gulffilmfest.com.

SABIS University partners with ICDL GCC Foundation to offer ICDL certification for students and Iraqi citizens

September 25, 2010

ICDL GCC Foundation, the governing body and certification authority of the International Computer Driving Licence (ICDL) program in the Gulf region and Iraq, has announced that on 6-9-2010 it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with SABIS University, Kurdistan as a distinguished partner to promote digital awareness and promulgate IT literacy in Iraq. Under the agreement, ICDL GCC Foundation will accredit SABIS University and The International School of Choueifat in Erbil as ICDL partners in the delivery of training and testing on ICDL programs, with the aim of spreading IT awareness through the introduction and implementation of ICDL into the mainstream teaching system of SABIS University, Kurdistan, in addition to actively engaging in activities to promote and further develop IT awareness within all segments of the society.

The ICDL program is supported & initiated in Iraq by UNESCO - Iraq Office, and this unique partnership extends to raise awareness not only within the education system, but also targeting various social groups in the society including; women, retirees, job seekers, people with special needs, and economically disadvantaged individuals, complementing government efforts to promote digital literacy and create a digitally aware society in Iraq. ICDL GCC Foundation and SABIS University have likewise agreed to demonstrate their joint ability at the Erbil International Fair, Booth (I1) being held in the Kurdistan Region from October 18 to 21, 2010.

Raed Mahmoud, SABIS Representative in Kurdistan, said: “This is an imperative move that gives students of SABIS University and the citizens of Kurdistan, Iraq direct access to ICDL certification. Being an internationally recognised standard, ICDL will certainly enhance the competitive edge of our students and expand their future career prospects. Moreover, we recognise ICDL GCC Foundation’s efforts to help people of different cultural, economic and social backgrounds to become proficient with basic IT skills. It is therefore a privilege for us to contribute and be part of this remarkable digital literacy initiative that will bring direct benefit to Kurdistan, Iraq.”

Jamil Ezzo, Director General of ICDL GCC Foundation, said: “An integral part of our strategy is to partner with high-profile academic institutions in order to promote digital literacy in the society. SABIS Education Services has a strong reputation and history of producing high-calibre students, and our partnership will further boost digital literacy and produce high competent individuals in Kurdistan, Iraq. We intend to leverage the strengths of both of our for the benefit of the government and the people of Kurdistan.”

SABIS University Iraq is part of the SABIS Education System that runs 83 schools in 15 countries and four continents. SABIS offers educational management products and services to private and public schools. For more information on the ICDL course at SABIS University, please call (+964) 07605101100 or (+964) 07507238442.

ICDL is an integrated digital literacy program recognized worldwide. The program empowers individuals with the essential skills and knowledge of computer and practical use of common desktop applications. ICDL is based on a recognised global standard acknowledged through testing and proves that the certificate holder has fundamental skills in IT, using the computer and managing files, word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation, and information and communication (internet and e-mail). Available in more than 48 languages, the program is endorsed by education ministries, universities and government organisations and is accredited by more than 168 countries.

The development benefits from strong institutional support under the patronage of His Excellency Shehzada Shabbirbhai Saheb Nuruddin

24 August 2010 - United Arab Emirates - Range Hospitality, a dynamic, progressive and innovative institution focused on hospitality and real estate, has launched the Al Rawdatain Gardens development in Iraq’s pilgrimage centre, Karbala, to cater to the significant shortage of accommodation.

Approximately 18 million pilgrims visit Karbala during the peak seasons every year. With a current shortage of accommodation in the city, Al Rawdatain Gardens aims to cater for this demand at accessible prices. Investment in this development is available through Mulkiya Intifa’a - a Shariah Compliant Fractional Ownership proposition.

Iraq’s $112 billion economy whose GDP is growing at an average rate of 5.1% over the last three years has seen the Government actively encourage foreign investment through a number of initiatives including an amendment to the National Investment Law.

His Excellency Shehzada Shabbir Bhai Saheb Nuruddin, brother of His Holiness Moula Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin (TUS), leader of the Dawoodi Bohra Community, has been appointed as Range Hospitality’s honorary chairman.  Range Hospitality has recently strengthened its roster of shareholders through the appointment of Ali Hussein Al Nemer (Saudi Arabia), Alykhan Karmali (Uganda), Munaf Ali (United Kingdom) and Mohammed Asaria (United Kingdom) to the Board of Directors.

“We are delighted to be the recipient of Shehzada’s support and guidance and honored by his participation. The Board of Directors comprises individuals from various parts of the Muslim world which will ensure a wider catchment area for our offering – Mulkiya Intifa’a,” said Mohammed Asaria, Vice Chairman, Range Hospitality.

Earlier this year, Range Hospitality mandated Abu Dhabi-based investment company, Noor Capital PSC, to procure the necessary initial funding for the Al Rawdatain Gardens development. In addition, Range Hospitality has appointed Dewan Architects & Engineers, an architectural firm with over 25 years experience and projects spanning over 10 countries in the Middle East, Asia and North Africa, also known for the Yas Marina Hotel and Marriott Courtyard Dubai, as the lead architects and consultants. Control Risks, a leader in specialist security consultancy with over 30 years experience in the Middle East and seven years in Iraq is another of the leading names supporting the project.

Range Hospitality has taken every step to protect its Mulkiya Intifa’a investors. “We are providing an Escrow account with one of the leading global financial institutions, Standard Chartered Bank, to assure security of investment and timely delivery of the project to our investors,” said Munaf Ali, CEO, Range Hospitality. He further added: “Although it is not mandatory for Range Hospitality to have an escrow account for a development in Iraq, this is a self-regulating step to ensure investor confidence given the current market sentiment.”

As the first modern development to be built in Karbala, Al Rawdatain Gardens will have an elegant 12-storey residence structure at its core comprising a mix of fully furnished and serviced studios, one-bedroom and two-bedroom suites. Spread over 55,000 square metres, the development is designed and furnished in accordance with international standards, with full air conditioning and heating, including internet access and safety deposit boxes. The entire development will include a total of 624 suites, extensive public areas, four restaurants, landscaped gardens, health facilities, 24-hour security, child care facilities, business centre, and guest services.

“We are receiving independent approaches from some of the world’s leading hotel operators to manage Al Rawdatain Gardens,” Asaria revealed. “We are in the process of operator selection and the calibre of the companies approaching us is clear evidence of the importance of Karbala within ‘New Iraq’ and the wider MENA region.”

In conclusion, Ali mentioned: “Range Hospitality was established to achieve both commercial and altruistic objectives.  We have committed to donate 20% of our annual profits to charities under the direction of our Charitable Donation Committee.”

• Air Arabia’s first destination to Iraq, 64th route globally
• Flights now operate twice weekly

Sharjah, June 5 2010: Air Arabia, the first and largest low-cost carrier (LCC) in the Middle East and North Africa, today announced the launch of service to the city of Najaf in the Republic of Iraq, from its hub in Sharjah, UAE. Located in Western Iraq, 100 miles south of the capital Baghdad, Najaf is Air Arabia‘s first destination in Iraq.

Flights between the two cities now operate twice per week starting June 8, 2010. With the addition of this new destination, Air Arabia now serves 64 routes from three hubs in UAE, Morocco and its latest hub in Egypt, where service was launched on June 1, 2010. Air Arabia flights now span the Middle East, North Africa, Indian Subcontinent, Africa, Central Asia and Europe.

Roundtrip flights now operate twice per week between Najaf International Airport and Sharjah. The low-cost carrier flies to Najaf on Tuesdays and Fridays, departing Sharjah at 8:40 AM and arriving in Najaf at 10:00 AM.  On the same days, return flights depart Najaf at 10:45 AM and arrive in Sharjah at 13:40 PM.

“The launch of direct service to Najaf, our first destination in Iraq, marks another milestone in Air Arabia’s history,” said Sherif Attia, Chief Operating Officer of Air Arabia’s Sharjah hub. “Iraq has great potential as a destination for business and personal travellers, as well as long-term growth potential for religious and cultural tourism. Air Arabia’s entry into the country will only boost such prospects. Passengers travelling to Najaf can now experience the benefits of travelling with Air Arabia through our market-leading low fares, comfort and convenience.”

Tourism plays a significant role in Najaf contributing 30 per cent of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Agriculture and the industrial sector are also prominent contributors to the city ‘s economy which has a population of 614,997.