FAIR AIMS TO GROW TOURISM ACROSS THE MIDDLE EAST

Dubai, United Arab Emirates (5th February 2012) – Atlantis, The Palm, the leading entertainment destination in the Middle East and major sponsor of Riyadh 2012 Travel Fair, hosted its launch today along with The Centre for Arab Media. The Fair is focusing on working together to grow tourism in the Middle East.

Brett Armitage, Senior Vice President of Sales at Atlantis, The Palm said, “Atlantis, The Palm is delighted to support the Riyadh Travel Fair because of our commitment to growing the Middle Eastern Tourism Industry.  “We have demonstrated our dedication to the region, by investing heavily in sales and marketing strategies targeting the region as well as broadening awareness of it as a tourism destination internationally.”

Also announced today were the winners of the third session of the press Arab Tourist 2012 competition, a Pan-Arab media initiative designed to guide the Arab tourists to Middle Eastern tourism destinations in particular, Egypt and Tunisia.

Supporters of the Riyadh Fair include the first Board of Tourism, and the Emirates Centre for Media Tourism and Atlantis, The Palm which has made particularly excellent success in Riyadh.

“Atlantis, The Palm is the perfect holiday destination for Middle Eastern families,” said Mr. Armitage. “We have welcomed high numbers of guests from the GCC region during the previous half term holidays, in particular over 8000 visitors from the Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia.  We will continue to create a bespoke programme and activities that will enable Arab families with their kids to enjoy a memorable experience at the resort.”

Ahmed bin Mohammed of the Prime Arab Centre said, “The initiative is based on four main locations in the countries of the Cooperation Council for the Arab Gulf States, as sponsored by Emirates of Dubai and Atlantis, The Palm on behalf of the Emirates Center for Media and Tourism Forum and Riyadh Riyadh Travel, Kuwait and one of the major tourism bodies. “The initiative will commence in Dubai at the Atlantis, The Palm and then in Abu Dhabi in March before moving to Cairo in April and concluding in Riyadh in May.”

He pointed out that the initiative offers extensive media events and interviews for those involved in the GCC tourism industry.   There will be substantial opportunity for meetings with decision makers and media organizations, travel agencies, as well as showcasing Egyptian tourism products.

Abdul-Rahman, Vice President of the Saudi Centre for Information Tourist Member of the Tourism Committee in the Chamber of Commerce and Industry said, “It’s very important to support tourism bodies in the UAE, as represented Atlantis, The Palm today.”  At a major ceremony in Riyadh he will stress the close relations between Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.   “This will be extended over time working toward the need to support Egypt and its tourism development said the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.”

“It’s important to strengthen mutual cooperation in the tourism and media fields.  The Centre aims to grow Egyptian tourism and is already making arrangements to hold a press conference of the Egyptian tourism, events and meetings associated with the largest travel agents involved in tourism. He pointed out that the Centre held meetings with Saudi businessmen in cooperation with the Saudi and Egyptian authorities in Riyadh.”

Hussein Immunaie, President of the Emirates Centre For Tourist Information, said. “The Committee has received nominations for the prize for the work of around 100 journalists from eight Arab countries.  The winner will be chosen from the top 10 of the applicants who receive the highest ratings during the conference. The winner will be honored at a ceremony March in Abu Dhabi and in May in Riyadh.”

XtremeMac, the designer and manufacturer of accessories and audio solutions for Apple devices, have recently launched the Soma Stand and Soma Travel in the UAE.

Several XtremeMac products were International CES Innovations 2012 Design and Engineering Awards Honorees showcasing the excellence of the latest range.

Soma Stand is XtremeMac’s newest portable speaker and charging dock made for iPod, iPhone and iPad. It’s the perfect take along speaker dock for a picnic, poolside, home and office running on either AC power adapter or batteries. Sets up in three easy steps; a case-friendly dock accommodates most devices while still in its protective case. Power on and enjoy room filling stereo audio sound for up to six hours playtime while on-the-go.

Connections include a line-in jack for use with other MP3 devices. As an additional feature, you can download the free XtremeMac Alarm Clock App to create a customized wake up experience. The app allows users to set dual alarms, wake up to choice of iPod song or chime, set nap/snooze times, and listen to music or nature sounds to enhance the sleeping experience.

Music lovers can enjoy their favourite tunes anytime and anywhere with XtremeMac’s Soma Travel. Just dock and play the iPod, iPhone or iPad for surprisingly big stereo sound in a small portable speaker dock. AC adapter or batteries are not required; the speaker is powered by the docked device. The ultra compact design is lightweight and perfect for on-the-go, its push in/pull out dock connector is protected during transport. Soma Travel allows users to charge and sync an Apple device while docked with the pass-through USB connection. Features also include swing out legs for stability and a case-friendly dock to accommodate most devices while still in its protective case.

When it comes to selecting a portable speaker, there are dozens, even hundreds of options lying around, so the uninitiated might find it to be rather difficult in making the right choice. You basically cannot go wrong when you stick to the tried and tested principle of “the more you pay the better quality you will get”. Of course, it also does not hurt if the portable speaker that a consumer is about to purchase is also an International CES Innovations 2012 Design and Engineering Awards Honoree. Case in point: the Soma Stand and Soma Travel from XtremeMac.

ilounge.com is a California based website dedicated to reviewing Apple products and accessories. They have selected the XtremeMac InCharge X3/X5 among the ‘Best of 2012′ winners at the CES 2012 as one of the great products this year, among thousands of contestants. This is what they had to say about the product: “Multi-iPad homes and businesses are becoming more common, as are messes of charging cables. The XtremeMac InCharge X3 and X5 offer the industry’s cleanest-looking 3 or 5 iPad charging bases with support for bare or encased tablets; each Dock Connector can also be used to refuel iPhones or iPods, too.”

The XtremeMac Soma Stand and Soma Travel are available at Virgin Megastore and across leading retail outlets.

Following the launch of the new Audi A6 with two V6 engines in mid 2011, Audi has now released a new entry-level engine to the UAE market. As the latest member of the A6 range, the new A6 2.0 TFSI features innovative solutions in every area of technology, including its light body, sporty chassis and a wide array of assistance and multimedia systems.

With a power output of 180 hp the new, high-end four-cylinder petrol engine is as efficient as powerful. It combines direct injection with turbocharging and power is transmitted to the front wheels through the continuously variable multitronic transmission.

The 2.0 TFSI delivers a peak torque of 320 Nm available between 1500-3900 and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.3 seconds on its way to the top speed of 226 km/h. The engine makes use of important technologies from the brand’s modular efficiency platform - the energy recovery system and the start-stop function. Average fuel consumption is just 6.4 liters per 100 km which corresponds to CO2 emissions of less than 149 grams per km.

The Audi A6 2.0 TFSI comes with extensive standard equipment including the latest MMI (Multi Media Interface) operating system, leather seating surfaces, a multifunction leather steering wheel, electric front seats with memory function for the driver as well as the Audi parking system plus. Audi also offers a variety of high-tech options including a head-up display, Audi active lane assist, Audi park assist, the Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System and the MMI touch.

The Audi A6 2.0 TFSI was specially developed for the Middle East and features, among others, a four-zone automatic air conditioning system with increased performance and the MMI navigation and operating system also in Arabic.

Long Version

Once again, Audi sets the standard: The new Audi A6, the successor to the world’s most successful executive sedan, features groundbreaking solutions in every area of technology. The body is extremely light owing to a significant proportion of aluminum components. The range of assistance and multimedia systems is extensive, and operation is intuitive and user-friendly.

The new Audi A6 is available in the Middle East with three gasoline powerplants: a 180 hp 2.0 TFSI, a 204 hp 2.8 FSI and a 300 hp 3.0 TFSI. While the 2.8 FSI and 3.0 TFSI feature the new S tronic transmission and latest generation of quattro four-wheel drive, the new 2.0 TFSI comes with the multitronic transmission and front-wheel drive. The Audi drive select dynamic handling system has been expanded to include an additional efficiency mode on the 3.0 TFSI.

With the new A6, which is the seventh generation of the model, Audi is revolutionizing the executive class. Featuring many technical innovations and lightweight aluminum design, this car will write the next chapter in the huge success story of the A6.

The design embodies athleticism and elegance. The sedan is 4.92 meters long and 1.87 meters wide, but just 1.46 meters high - the sportiest proportions in its segment. The long engine hood, the low, sweeping roofline, and the prominent lines on the flanks create a dynamic overall appearance. The Xenon plus headlights with LED daytime running lights or optional full LED headlights emphasize the striking expression at the front.

The body of the new Audi A6 is exceedingly light, stiff and safe, thanks to an intelligent composite design concept. Numerous aluminum components and high-tech steels reduce its weight by some 30 kilograms compared with the previous model, making it the backbone of a systematic lightweight design concept.

Depending on the version, the new executive sedan weighs up to 80 kilograms less than its predecessor. Audi - the lightweight design pioneer of the international automotive industry - has once again reversed the weight spiral, raising the bar for lightweight design.

The body features additional strong points. State-of-the art materials and design methods ensure extremely low interior noise levels. Precision tuning of all components and systematic hydraulic damping in the axle and drivetrain bearings provide excellent vibrational comfort.

Powerful and highly efficient: the three engines

The new A6 is available with a choice of three powerful, highly efficient four- and six-cylinder powerplants. The three gasoline engines deliver 180 hp, 204 hp and 300 hp respectively. The engines make use of technologies from the brand’s modular efficiency platform - the innovative thermal management concept, the start-stop system, and the energy recovery system. Fuel consumption has improved by up to 21% compared with the previous model - a leading figure among the competition.

The Audi A6 2.8 FSI and 3.0 TFSI are available with a sporty S tronic transmission. Each engine features a wide gear-ratio spread and low internal friction, thereby making a significant contribution to the sedan’s efficiency. Power is funneled to the road via all four wheels. The quattro permanent all-wheel drive is presented in its latest stage of evolution - its crown-gear center differential and torque vectoring function guarantee supreme traction, stability and dynamic response. Audi also offers the sport differential, which actively distributes torque to the rear wheels. The entry-level 2.0 TSI variant comes with a multitronic transmission and front-wheel drive.

Thanks to its sophisticated design, the chassis of the new A6 combines sporty precision with supreme comfort. Its links are made of aluminum; the power steering features a new electromechanical drive, making it highly efficient. The executive sedan has wheels ranging from 17 to 20 inches in diameter, with powerful brakes behind them.

The Audi drive select dynamic handling system is standard for all engine versions. For enhanced comfort, Audi also offers adaptive air suspension with controlled damping as an option. Dynamic steering will be available soon, also as an option.

Sporty elegance: the interior

The roomy interior of the new Audi A6 echoes the sinewy look of the exterior design. The salient element is the “wrap-around” - an inlay encircling the driver and the front-seat passenger. The elegant face of the instrument panel underscores the sleek quality of the cockpit area.

Every detail of the interior is a testament to the care that Audi invests in carmaking. All materials, including an innovative layered-wood veneer, have been selected and crafted with the utmost care. As an option, the front seats can be equipped with ventilation and massage functions. Ambient lighting or the interior lighting package give the interior an added shine. The new Audi A6 features the logical ergonomics concept that distinguishes all of the brand’s models.

The Audi A6 comes with extensive standard equipment including the latest-generation MMI radio operating system, an efficient deluxe automatic four-zone air conditioning, a multifunction leather steering wheel and the Audi music interface (option in 2.0 TFSI), the Audi parking system plus, cruise control as well as a glass sunroof (option in 2.0 TFSI). The electric front seats with memory function for the driver can be equipped with ventilation and massage functions as an option.

Audi also offers a variety of high-tech options: a head-up display, which projects important information onto the windshield, the Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System and the MMI touch operating system. As of now the MMI interface is also available in Arabic including all Menu points, navigation maps and voice instructions as well as MMI touch handwriting recognition.

The new adaptive cruise control with stop & go function regulates speed and distance to the vehicle ahead and if necessary breaks the vehicle to a full standstill. The Audi pre sense safety system is in many situations able to reduce accidents and their consequences, or even prevent them altogether. The Audi active lane assist helps the driver keep the A6 on course, and the park assist system relieves the driver of the chore of steering when parallel parking.

Developed for the Middle East

Before a new model goes into production it has to demonstrate its qualities in countless checks, over 100,000 simulations and more than 2.5 million test kilometers. A number of these tests are benchmark in the automotive industry, such as the patented “INKA” test, which ages the car 12 years in just 19 weeks.

During the test the car is being misted with salt and subjected to a humidity of 100% at 50°C. An artificial sun with 1,000 watts power per sqm simulates the UV intensity of an African summer.

The outdoor “Hot country track” simulates a complete lifecycle of an Audi under extremely hot temperatures in South Africa, on a dedicated gravel track test facility under extreme conditions.

The new Audi A6 was specially developed for the Middle East region. The performance of highly efficient four-zone automatic air conditioning system, for example, has been increased. Its functionality was tested over approximately one million test kilometers in various countries including China, South America, South Africa and the UAE. Further race track testing ensures that even sporty driving does not interfere with performance, even at temperatures of over fifty degrees.

In addition to the four-zone automatic air conditioning system, heat insulated windscreen and side windows, as well as sun blinds at the rear and side come as a standard in the Middle East and climate controlled comfort seats with active seat ventilation are available optionally.

Over 150 employees participate in live training as management aims to strengthen the hospital’s emergency services

Abu Dhabi - January 9th, 2012 – More than 150 employees from different sections at Al Rahba hospital participated in a special educational and academic emergency and disaster preparedness program that was organized at the hospital. The program aims at enhancing the capacity and capability of SEHA employees in a standardized and integrated approach, and is in line with the initiative that Abu Dhabi Health Services Company PJSC (SEHA) launched in the previous months.

Abu Dhabi’s Al Rahba Hospital is owned and operated by Abu Dhabi Health Services Company PJSC (SEHA) and managed by Johns Hopkins Medicine International.

Departments such as Information Technology, Emergency, Operations and others participated in the training program, which was organized from 3:00 am – 11:00 am. Al Rahba management strongly believes that the key objective of this training is to strengthen the hospital’s emergency services delivered to the society, and to assure progressive, stable, and sustainable preparedness index demonstrated via enrolling the targeted trainees across the system.

Commenting on the training program, Dr. Gamal Abbas, Chief of Service for the Emergency Department of Al Rahba Hospital said: “The emergency and disaster preparedness program is organized to provide the participants with the basic and essential knowledge, skills and attitudes to immediately deliver lifesaving care to all patients in need of urgent or emergent care. It also helps in maximizing the use of resources in mass casualty incidents and disaster situations, and improves the quality, efficiency, effectiveness of response, preparedness, recovery, and care delivered by the hospital’s staff.”

“In order to provide the highest quality of medical care in emergency situations, employees and staff need to have specific knowledge, the ability to plan and organize a health system, professional skill and the adaptation to the disaster situation,” added Dr. Abbas.

Muscat, 3 December 2011 – Nawras, Oman’s customer friendly communications provider is delighted to now be offering WiFi services for business entities which can in return sell or offer the services to their own customers. Abdullah Al Rawahy, Nawras Chief Strategy Officer, recently met with Khaled El Dalaty, Operations Manager, Dunkin Donuts, to launch the first Nawras WiFi hotspot in Muscat.

The inaugural Nawras WiFi service was unveiled at the colourful new Dunkin Donuts outlet at Al Khuwair where customers can enjoy a coffee while browsing the internet, checking emails or visiting social networks using this high speed broadband access powered by the reliable Nawras network.

Offered by Nawras Business under their Business Solutions portfolio, this latest service is designed for business customers in the retail industry who wish to offer a regulatory compliant WiFi service to enhance their customers’ experience.

Announcing the start of this new service, Nawras Chief Strategy Officer, Abdulla Al Rawahy, said, “Nawras WiFi service takes broadband usage to a new level. The availability of a secured and legal WiFi service at your establishment that can be sold or offered free to your customers is a reliable way to increase customer footfall and build loyalty for repeat visits.”

Khaled El Dalaty, Operations Manager, Dunkin Donuts, expressed his delight with the new service from Nawras and went on to say, “We at Dunkin Donuts are trying to give our customers exciting and new experiences, we are proud to provide free WiFi to our customers and to be the first company in Oman to offer Nawras WiFi. Everyone wants to stay in contact for business or personal reasons and we are pleased to partner with Nawras in making this possible at our Al Khuwair Dunkin Donuts outlet. We will soon have all Dunkin Donuts outlets covered with Nawras WiFi so that our customers can enjoy the cyber sphere in a Dunkin Donuts atmosphere.”

As with all its products and services, Nawras WiFi is easy to use. Customers simply request a WiFi access card at the same time as they buy their refreshments and then choose the applicable wireless network from their WiFi enabled laptop, tablet or handset. There are only two simple steps to follow in order to receive internet access and benefit from fast Nawras broadband.

In line with the company’s commitment to operating in a responsible way, Nawras is using totally recyclable paper cards for the new WiFi service. Furthermore, the cards are manufactured locally.

Businesses wishing to increase their number of customers by offering Nawras WiFi are invited to visit the company’s award winning website at www.nawras.om/wifi for full details of the service.  Alternatively, speaking to a friendly professional at any Nawras Store or calling 9501 1503 will allow Nawras to explain the great advantages of this pleasingly different service as well as its variety of competitive price plans and great value packages.

Nawras is dedicated to delighting customers in every aspect of their communication experience by delivering caring, excellent and pleasingly different services

• Etihad Towers, Abu Dhabi evolving as the city’s premier lifestyle destination
• Spectacular ceremony at Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, Abu Dhabi, the newest five star hotel in the city, attended by dignitaries, partners and customers
• First residents move in; retail fit-out plans in progress and commercial customers readying offices

Abu Dhabi, UAE; December 3, 2011: On the eve of the 40th UAE National Day, Abu Dhabi, the nation’s capital, welcomed its newest architectural marvel and definitive lifestyle destination, which defines the world-class work, live and play environment that awaits residents and customers in one of the fastest-growing cities in the world.

His Highness Sheikh Suroor bin Mohammed Al Nahyan launched Etihad Towers, Abu Dhabi, a symbol of the city’s modern, sophisticated and luxurious ambitions, at a glittering gala dinner within  ‘Jumeirah at Etihad Towers,’ the city’s newest five star property and an integral part of the five-tower, mixed-used development, in the presence of specially invited dignitaries, development partners and customers. The event was held at the hotel’s dedicated Conference Center, one of the largest in the Emirate which can host over 2,000 guests.

Developed by Sheikh Suroor Projects Department (SSPD), Etihad Towers, Abu Dhabi is rapidly evolving as the most sought after lifestyle destination in the city, with the first residents already moving into the contemporary homes  within ‘Living at Etihad Towers’ and leasing of the residences ongoing.

With leasing progressing, the first commercial tenants have commenced the interior design of their office space within ‘Working at Etihad Towers’ while ‘Shopping at Etihad Towers,’ the dedicated retail precinct of the development witnesses retail operators progressing with fit-out plans.

Mr. Sami Al Khuwaiter, Project Director at SSPD, said: “We are honoured to present Etihad Towers, Abu Dhabi – our tribute to the progressive vision and growth outlook of the UAE and Abu Dhabi. Under the visionary guidance of the UAE leadership, the country has evolved as a truly cosmopolitan community that welcomes people from all over the world and provides them the opportunity to prosper at work, while enjoying a truly world-class lifestyle. Etihad Towers, Abu Dhabi embodies the progressive outlook of Abu Dhabi and provides a welcoming environment for people to live, work and enjoy the finest leisure choices in life.”

The five-tower Etihad Towers, located on the most desirable and exclusive beachside Al Ras Al Akhdar district of Abu Dhabi on an area of over half a million square meters, brings the best in luxury lifestyle development to the city.

Ranging from 54 to 75 floors, the towers soar some 300 meters above the city, opening to pristine vistas of the Arabian Gulf. Every detail of the towers has been hand-picked and crafted to perfection: from the choice of materials used to the minutest details, finishes, spatial planning, lighting and overall ambiance.

Designed by Australian architects DBI Design, Etihad Towers, Abu Dhabi offers tenants the convenience of being in the heart of a vibrant business and lifestyle center, in close proximity to the UAE Central Bank, Foreign Ministry, ADNOC headquarters, Emirates Palace and the largest mall in the city. The towers also offer quick and easy access to the international airport and local transport links.

‘Living at Etihad Towers,’ the dedicated three-tower residential apartments being offered for rent, have gained enthusiastic response from customers. There are 884 contemporary and affordable apartments and penthouses, ranging from one to five bedrooms, with the towers set in beautifully landscaped gardens with azure pools. Each tower has a dedicated gymnasium, sauna and decked pool area.

Residents are part of a bustling community with stylish lounges, cafes, boutique shops, health club and spa. Inside, the homes offer a tranquil and secure environment with fixtures and fittings designed and implemented by master-craftsmen. Round-the-clock concierge service and security add to the relaxed comfort of residents.

The commercial tenants have the option of choosing from over 45,000 sq meters of leasable area spread over 53 floors at the office tower, ‘Working at Etihad Towers.’ The superior design and technology features are designed to help tenants make a positive impact on their business. Value-added features include high capacity car park, professionally managed reception areas and concierge service – all tailored to enhance business efficiency.

A unique feature of ‘Working at Etihad Towers’ is the extensive meeting and events space offered, which is among the largest in Abu Dhabi. The ballroom, with an area of about 1,900 sq meters (about 20,500 sq ft), can host about 2,000 people reception-style; and can also be divided into four ballroom areas to host 500 people each. There are 13 meeting rooms, equipped with the latest facilities, ideal for small gatherings to sizeable get-togethers.

Several world-class retailers will commence their fit-out operations at the exclusive retail arcade in the development, ‘Shopping at Etihad Towers.’ They include designer boutiques, offering luxury fashion, jewelry, timepieces and accessories, with the stores spread over two levels.

The new ‘Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, Abu Dhabi, which further adds to the pampering choices awaiting the community, has 382 elegant rooms and suites, 199 luxurious serviced apartments, and an amazing array of beauty, fashion and relaxation amenities including the ‘Talise Spa’.

Etihad Towers, Abu Dhabi, indeed, has opened a new world of choices for Abu Dhabi residents: A true architectural marvel in the heart of a city that is demonstrating its excellence across all aspects of life – from business to arts and culture.

Becoming world-class professional footballers is not an impossible goal for UAE football players, says Director of education

Dubai, UAE, 23rd November 2011: The Institute of Sport in the UAE, from Bolton Wanderers Football Club (BWFC), a Premier League English football club, is conducting, in collaboration with local professional clubs a workshop at Media One Hotel on 26th November, 2011 to give parents and youngsters an overview of the education programmes they can expect from the institute in the UAE.
 
Phil Gartside, Chairman of Bolton Wanderers Football Club, said: “We are pleased to conduct this workshop that will provide insights into our approach to education for aspiring young footballers. The institute’s offering is designed to offer world-class education backed by international qualifications.”

Through the institute, students will be able to enroll in different types of programmes to train and study at the Premier League Club Bolton Wanderers FC or in the UAE through one of our professional club partners.

James Tucker, Education Director of BWFC added: “The aim of the Bolton Wanderers Institute of Sport is to train students on how to become professional football players. At this workshop, BWFC will be identifying local talent for the ProElite Education programme which is a year- long education programme. Selected students will be trained in the same way as professional players in the UK at the Premier League Club Bolton Wanderers FC.”

Students of the academy can study different types of sports courses where they will graduate with an Edexcel qualification as well as its local equivalent.

Visitors to last month’s NAJAH education fair in Abu Dhabi International Conventional Centre will be part of the workshop. The new academy offers systematic and long-term training programmes to nurture footballing talent from an early age.

Tucker added: “We promised the large number of students we met at the show that we would hold a workshop to familiarize them with our offering. The demand for our programmes is very high and we think these programmes could make a difference in the UAE football scene in the coming few years.”

Tuckers added: “We are thrilled to demonstrate our education programmes to youngsters in the UAE with the primary aim of educating them to become world-class footballers. This is quite achievable with the collaboration of the local football teams in the UAE.”

Introduces innovative schemes in bullion investment that leverages power of internet and modern trading technologies

November 20, 2011

Gold Arab Emirate DMCC (GOLD.AE) has launched the Middle East’s first physical trading platform for gold and silver, bringing e-commerce to the core of the region’s lucrative gold and silver market. GOLD.AE stands out with its competitively priced, convenient and highly secured web-based services, while empowering market players across the region with 24-hour access to state-of-the-art technology in bullion trading.

Licensed by Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), GOLD.AE primarily provides spot trading of gold and silver bullion ranging from 1 ounce to 1 kg conforming to Dubai Good Delivery (DGD) standards. The company offers greater transparency and stability with its guaranteed pricing scheme, reassuring customers that they will merely pay the stipulated rates upon transaction regardless of ensuing market price fluctuations. GOLD.AE also has launched an E-shop that offers collectibles in gold and silver, GOLD.AE signature products, and custom-designed coins, an exclusive service that features both machine and laser-engraved sketches. GOLD.AE also announced its partnership with the office of H.R.H. Prince Abdullah Bin Bandar Bin Abdulaziz, which recently had its license activated by the Dubai Gold & Commodities Exchange (DGCX).

Mohammad Jamal, CEO, GOLD.AE, said: “Web-based bullion trading is an entirely new concept in the region, but it has huge potential as the preferred trading platform in light of the ongoing internet boom and the growing availability of powerful mobile computing devices. Leveraging the power of e-commerce and advanced trading technologies, GOLD.AE introduces a wide range of innovative schemes in bullion investment, while making it a lot easier for market players to conduct trade activities anytime and anywhere. We have also employed seasoned bullion professionals whose expertise and experience further enhances our competitive edge over conventional trading platforms in the market. Moreover, GOLD.AE serves as a complete one-stop, e-commerce solution as we also have a comprehensive E-shop to offer international brands in bullion products at comparatively low prices.”

GOLD.AE offers a variety of advantages as a physical trading platform of choice, including its user-friendly online buying facility, uninterrupted trading opportunities, deliverable bullion denominations, secured and reliable custodians, no profit cuts and taxation on gains, low trading tariffs, and 24-hour availability. The company also offers industry-leading value-added services such as home delivery, special demo accounts for new users and multi-lingual customer service staff.

30 October 2011, Dubai - United Investment Bank, UIB, has today announced the launch of its Royal Football Fund across the Middle East and other emerging markets.  The fund, which has been established by the new Dubai-headquartered investment bank, aims to raise $200 million USD, opening up a business activity which is traditionally closed to the Investment Community.  With a minimum subscription of 500,000 USD and a lockup period of two years, the fund expects to an average annual net return of 20%.

Arranged into three investment classes, the Royal Football Fund has been created to provide investors with an alternative investment product that can contribute to the diversification of their portfolio in uncorrelated assets.   The Fund will pull together football clubs and an investment team that have demonstrated an excellent performance record, including FC Porto and a pool of prestigious experts in the Football business.

Taking advantage of some of the major revenue generating activities in the industry, the Royal Football Fund will focus on three areas of activity; co-investing with football clubs and leading players agents in the economic (sport and image) rights of football players; equity investments in listed football clubs and the promotion of football matches and related marketing, broadcast and media rights.

“This is a fund where high revenues are generated by the passion of fans,” commented UIB CEO Raul Silva.  “It is the passion of the world’s football fans that drive football clubs to continuously invest in improving their teams.   They have to stay competitive, satisfying the expectations of both their supporters and shareholders. This is one of the main reasons why the Football industry presents several profitable revenue streams.”

Today, football is one of the few business activities which has demonstrated continuous growth over the last 30 years. Even during the recent financial crisis which has seen the international markets experience sharp downturns, football has continued to grow and established new records in football player transfer revenues as well as the price of broadcast and media rights. 

“While we are working towards an expected annual average net return of 20%, the same investment management team has achieved much more in the past (average annual net returns of 42% over a 5 years period) with similar investment strategies,” added Silva.“Returns for player’s economic rights can prove exceedingly strong.  To name a few examples; Deco generateda 21.29% IRR, Pepe 146.62%, Falcão 164.54%, Lisandro Lopes 37.21%, Lucho Gonzales 16.68% and Raul Meireles achieved 29.24%.  The average IRR of this pool of players was approximately 69.26%.”

A core part of the expertise in delivering the fund is the expert advisory board working closely with UIB.IsidoroGimenez is a players’ agent licensed by the Argentinean football association as well as being a former professional football player. With more than 20 years of experience managing football players’ careers, Gimenezhas taken part in several transfers both from South America to Europe and within the European market. As head of the Velez Sarsfield(Argentina) football department, he won all the major football trophies - Argentinean League, Libertadores and Intercontinental Cup.Gimenezis a prominent Licensed Player’s agent and has several years of experience working closely with leading clubs including FC Porto, River Plate, Bayern München, Olympique Marseille, Olympique Lyonnais, FCDinamoMoscow. He is currently in charge of the AC Milan Football Academies and is the agent of Juan Manuel Iturbe (Argentina u-20), regarded as the most promising youth player worldwide.

Alexandre Pinto Da Costa also has a long-standing involvement in football having been a director of the football department at FC Porto from 1986 to 1993, he won several titles including several Portuguese Leagues, Champions League and Intercontinental Cup. Da Costa has taken part in several players’ transfers including some of the most significant in football history (Luis Figo and ZinedineZidane to Real Madrid in 2000 and 2001). Da Costa’s father is the President of FC Portowhich he has been successfully managing over the last 3 decades. According to the International Federation of History and Statistics of Football (IFHSF), FC Porto is the 3rd best club in the world (based on sports results and titles) after Real Madrid and Barcelona.

Finally, Miguel Pinho is currently in charge of AC Milan youth scout worldwide and manager of the AC Milan football academy in Portugal. Miguel has years of experience in scouting, match strategy, as well as players and matches analysis. He was part of José Mourinho’s team at FC Porto (Portuguese cup, UEFA cup and champions league winners) and is a strong believer in the importance of youth formation.

Member of the expert advisory boardIsidoroGimenez commented, “Over my years in the industry, football has proven itself to be a strong and dynamic industry.  The combination of passion, skill and entertainment has created a formidable business force that we now want to extend to the wider investment market.”

Dubai, UAE: Parachute, the world’s largest packaged coconut oil brand produced by Marico, a leading consumer products and services company, has introduced to the Arab world its sensational new product ‘Parachute Secrets’ that promotes healthier hair.

Produced from a combination of natural extracts, Parachute Secrets nourishes hair from root to tip, and has proved its efficiency with ten days of usage. After extensive research and feedback from consumer groups, Marico has launched the product across the Arab world including the GCC region and Levant, providing Arab women a healthy choice in hair care.

Ayman Hamed, Head of Marketing, Marico Middle East, said: “Managing healthy hair, given the harsh weather conditions and the hard water that exists in parts of the region, has always been a challenge for Arab women. With their preference for healthy hair, Arab women now have a perfect solution that fits their needs – the new Parachute Secrets.”

He added: “Arab women have traditionally relied on home-made concoctions mixing a number of natural extracts. With Parachute Secrets they can be assured of healthy hair through its mix of nourishing natural extracts. It is also presented in four variants inspired by the traditional mixture used by Arab women, as oil or Hammam Zeit, each designed for different needs where coconut oil serves as the carrier for all natural ingredients.”

With proven capability to reduce hair loss by as much as five times, ‘Parachute Secrets’ Hair Fall Control will assist users in strengthening their hair and provide protection against external factors. It is formed of a combination of coconut oil and watercress, and garlic and aloe vera extracts.

‘Parachute Secrets’ Weak Hair Repair boosts the hair and provides protection against external factors while also making hair five times stronger. Its ingredients include coconut and castor oils and extract of black seed and sedr plant. 

Blending the goodness of coconut and jojoba oils, and honey and cactus extracts ‘Parachute Secrets’ Damaged Hair Repair is a natural hair oil that nourishes hair from root to tip and contributes to strengthening hair, providing protection against protein loss and reduces split-ends by twice.

Assuring 120% more visible shine to the hair right from the first application, ‘Parachute Secrets’ Dry Hair Repair is infused with coconut, sesame and olive oils as well as almond extract. It helps in moisturizing and hydrating dry, rough hair, by locking moisture and protein into the hair shaft and reducing protein loss.

Parachute coconut oil stands for purity and quality. Over the years, the brand has introduced several innovations in packaging, sizing and tamper-proofing. Parachute enjoys enormous loyalty in urban, semi-urban and rural sectors, across all its key markets.

Parachute Secrets is made from highly nourishing natural ingredients and coconut oil for solving hair problems. Coconut oil penetrates the hair shaft and provides thrice the nourishment for the hair. It penetrates deep into the hair ensuring ultimate nourishment from roots to tips.