Dalma Mall, the shopping and lifestyle destination in Abu Dhabi, has signed lease agreements with Apparel Group, an international fashion and lifestyle brand conglomerate, to open 10 outlets featuring an assortment of fashion, footwear and accessories brands in the mall.

Mr Rashid Doleh, Executive Director of Dalma Mall, signed the agreement with Mr Nilesh Ved, Chairman of Apparel Group. As per the agreement, Apparel Group will open 10 stores, which will sprawl over 17,000 sq feet in the mall.

Set to open by the first quarter of the year, the new stores will offer visitors to the mall the opportunity to select from a range of popular high street brands including Aéropostale, Aldo, Aldo Accessories, Bench, Nine West, Charles & Keith, Tim Hortons Coffee, Dune, Naturalizer and Ingot.

Mr Doleh said: “The agreement with Apparel Group underpins the evolution of Dalma Mall as the definitive lifestyle destination in Abu Dhabi offering a large array of retail choices for visitors. We are committed to bringing exceptional global brand experiences to the mall, and Apparel Group’s rich repertoire of popular brands will be a huge draw for Abu Dhabi residents and visitors.”

He added: “Through partnerships such as with Apparel Group, we are focused on creating an ideal tenant mix that will strengthen customer loyalty and repeat visitor footfall. This, in turn, will add value to our retailers, maximising their business and operational efficiencies.”

Mr Ved said: “New store concepts are a crucial part of our mission to satisfy our multicultural customer base and offer them a one of its kind retail experience. On our recent opening of Tim Horton’s in Abu Dhabi, we received overwhelming response and believe the launch of our new stores at Dalma Mall will receive the same welcome and will further strengthen our presence in Abu Dhabi. Dalma Mall is strategically located at the heart of the emirate’s expansion corridor and serves as an ideal retail destination for the numerous residential communities mushrooming up in the areas. We appreciate the entry from the mall management and feel it will be an apt location for our key international brand portfolio.”

With over 60% of its total leasable area of 1.6 million sq feet already leased, Dalma Mall has signed strategic partnerships with major groups such as Landmark Group and Al Futtaim, among others. More than 60 outlets are open already including a large Carrefour Hypermarket, Centrepoint, Home Centre, Fun City, Max, Emax and Matalan as well as a host of specialty stores.

Recording an average month-on-month footfall growth of 35%, Dalma Mall is all set to register a surge in visitor turnout with a large number of anchor stores opening later this year including Marks and Spencer, BHS and Toys R Us.

Abu Dhabi’s largest Cineplex - the 14-screen CineRoyal Cinemas - offering over 2,200 seats and unprecedented cine-going experiences, has also opened at the mall, underlining its appeal as a must-see shopping and entertainment destination in the UAE capital.

Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Panasonic Marketing Middle East in association with Alesayi Electronics opened a new eco friendly Customer Care Centrein Jeddah, only a few months after the devastating fire that completely destroyed the Panasonic office, it was announced today.

Alesayi Electronics Co. Ltd., sole agent of Panasonic Corporation in Saudi Arabia, has one of the largest sales and service infrastructures in the kingdom, with offices and distribution warehouses strategically located in the major and minor cities.

“We are proud to offer our customers the Kingdom’s first eco Customer Care Centre, which we hope will inspire a green lifestyle,” commented Seiji Koyanagi, Managing Director of Panasonic Marketing Middle East.

“The establishment of the eco Customer Care Center in Jeddah adds a new dimension to our customer-centric initiatives and will set the tone for expanding such facility in different part of the kingdom in the near future,” added Koyanagi.

Panasonic is strongly committed to conserving the environment, and to ensure a sustainable future. This facility will also serve to encourage Panasonic employees and customers to lead conservation efforts in cooperation with the local communities.

The new Customer Care Centre is located at Al Bawadi area of Jeddah and is part of the Japanese manufacturer’s aim to become the No. 1 Green Innovation Company in the Electronics Industry in the Middle East.

This centre is the first green concept Customer Care Centre in the Kingdom, and its aim is to promote Panasonic’s eco friendly concept and act as a collection point for all digital products.Panasonic has been leading environmental initiatives that are tailored to support local communities and the Japanese giant is committed to offering a green lifestyle to its customers, as well as pursuing a green business-style in its everyday business activities.

“Customers expect only the best service from Alesayi, and new eco customer care centre will be another benchmark for us,” commented Khalid Alghazzi, Executive Managing Director, Alesayi Electronics.

“Alesayi Electronics has gained a wealth of technical expertise in repair services over the years. We are confident that we can provide a superior level of after sales service complimented by fully qualified and certified staff and technicians,” added Alghazzi.

Panasonic aims to double the regional sales of Superior Green Productsby March 2013. Superior Green Products,which have been internally certified by Panasonic, are those that have achieved the industry’s top environmental performance in terms of energy saving, effective utilization of resources and the management of chemical substances.

Panasonic’s eco Customer Care Centre strives to serve consumers in the best eco-friendly manner - a small step for a greener future.

Abu Dhabi, UAE – : The chart topping Scissor Sisters will be bringing their widely loved and infectious dance floor anthems to Yas Island Abu Dhabi at the FLASH Forum on January 12th.

FLASH Entertainment today announced that tickets for the Grammy-nominated band will go on sale today, Monday December 19th and are expecting fans right across the region to snap them up well ahead of their Middle East debut on January 12th.  The New York duo will be joined by MOBO award & Mercury Music Prize winning singer, Ms. Dynamite, who is revered for introducing UK garage music to the mainstream with her 2002 debut album, A Little Deeper.

Known for their humorous and often controversial performances, the Scissor Sisters’ unique mix of disco, electro and good old fashioned Elton John-era rock n’ roll is widely loved right across the globe.

Shatha Al Romaithi, FLASH Entertainment spokesperson, said: “Scissor Sisters have a huge following and they are known to appeal to just about all music lovers out there”.

“We are very excited to be bringing them to Abu Dhabi and the region for the very first time. We are expecting an incredible performance.”

The band, which was founded in 2000, sprung out of downtown New York clubs and Brooklyn, a launch pad for the modern electroclash sound.

Led by vocalists Jake Shears and Ana Matronic, along with multi-instrumentalist ‘Babydaddy’ and lead guitar Del Marquis, the heart of the Scissor Sisters is shaped around the exuberance of nightlife.

Since launching, their success has spilled out far past the New York club scene and into the global mainstream.

The band’s debut album became an international smash — eventually scoring a Grammy nomination for Best Dance Record for “Comfortably Numb”, becoming the top-selling album of 2004 in the UK and sweeping the Brit Awards for that year.

Despite becoming chart toppers and festival headliners throughout the world, the Scissor Sisters have never turned away from the all-inclusive magic of their former downtown stomping ground.

They have filled venues from New York’s Bowery Ballroom to London’s O2 Arena and  in 2010 stole the show at Glastonbury when they performed a duet with Kylie Minogue for their single “Any Which Way”.

They’ve also collaborated with Elton John and Bono, lead vocalist of rock band U2, has even described Scissor Sisters as “the best pop group in the world”.

The show will take place at the FLASH Forum on Yas Island, with doors opening at 9pm. Other performances on the night include: DJ 3 (gumball/dynamite/shy fx); DJ Jack (etoiles); B Traits (female DJ from shy fx).

Yas Island is fast becoming one of the region’s hottest entertainment destinations, attracting various international talent to the Capital as well as entertainment lovers locally and from across the region.

Tickets for Scissor Sisters go on sale today, Monday December 19th on www.thinkflash.ae. General admission tickets are sold for AED 295. The Scissor Sisters concert is strictly an 18 + show.

Scissor Sisters is presented by FLASH Entertainment in association with Etoiles, as part of the Yas Island Show Weekends series.

Make it a Weekend. Make it a Yas Island Show Weekend. Plan your weekend at www.yasisland.ae

Abu Dhabi, UAE: United Eastern Medical (UEMedical), Abu Dhabi’s leading healthcare investment and development company, announced the launch of a its third premier medical facility in the UAE capital, Health Plus Family Health Center. The new center will be a welcomed addition to the UEMedical’s existing portfolio of premium outpatient facilities.

The center will be located in Al Bandar, an island development set around a world class marina where the integrated residential community offers its residents a range of retail and leisure facilities within Al Raha Beach in the greater Abu Dhabi area.

“The boutique Health Plus Family Health Center is conveniently located in Al Raha Beach development, to ensure world-class patient care is kept close to where people live and work. It will provide comprehensive primary medical and dental care, and help to strengthen physician-patient relationships”, Mr. Majd Abu Zant, CEO of Health Plus.

Medical specialties include Family Medicine, Pediatrics, Gynecology, and Dentistry. The center will also be heavily involved in promoting community health awareness and education and will support Weqaya, the national screening program of the Health Authority – Abu Dhabi.

“We have noticed the rising number of new residential communities outside the island of Abu Dhabi; however vital healthcare services aren’t easily accessible in such areas. Therefore, we strategically opened this facility at this particular location to serve its population and the surrounding communities. We are thrilled to be here in the Al Bandar community; it is a wonderful opportunity to support the community healthcare requirements and at the same time build on our mission to improve long-term health. We know that this can only happen through establishing a close relationship with the community that we serve so that we can take their hand along the path towards a healthier lifestyle, with a focus on disease prevention,” added Mr. Abu Zant.

The Family Health Center, part of the Health Plus network, will be strongly affiliated with UEMedical’s flagship project in Abu Dhabi, Danat Al Emarat Women and Children’s Hospital, which is due to completion by end of 2012; and the already existing Fertility & Genetics Center and the Women’s Health Center. The three centers are all electronically linked through a health information management system with electronic medical records, ensuring that patient information is available instantly at any location and allowing doctors to make faster, more informed decisions, resulting in better quality of care. Health Plus network will expand within the coming few years to include a total of 10 Outpatient Health Centers.

“We are very excited to be progressing so quickly in line with our vision, and the boutique HealthPlus Family Health Center at Al Bandar is another milestone for UEMedical in our ambition to drastically improve the medical services on offer in the region. This integrated approach to medicine is a novel concept in the UAE, and we are pleased to be contributing to the evolution of the medical field through our innovation and strong beliefs,” stated Mohammed Ali Al Shorafa Al Hammadi, Managing Director & CEO of UEMedical.

Tom Cruise to lead cast and crew on red carpet in Dubai homecoming

Dubai, UAE; November 14, 2011: Adrenaline, ambition and A-list star power will converge in one of the world’s fastest-rising cities next month, when the highly anticipated blockbuster Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol debuts to the world as the opening film of the 8th Dubai International Film Festival on December 7, 2011.

Directed by Oscar® winner Brad Bird and featuring an all-star cast including Tom Cruise, Jeremy Renner, Simon Pegg, Paula Patton, Michael Nyqvist, Vladimir Mashkov, Josh Holloway, Anil Kapoor and Léa Seydoux, the fourth installment in the mega-successful Mission: Impossible franchise has been described as the most inventive, action-filled and visually arresting yet.

Dubai will reprise its own starring role in the film when Cruise, Bird and the film’s co-stars take to the Festival’s opening night red carpet alongside the city’s leadership at the Madinat Jumeirah, The Arabian Resort – Dubai, home to the Dubai International Film Festival. Today’s joint announcement from Paramount Pictures and the Festival celebrates the Mission: Impossible team’s return to Dubai after extensive filming in the city, including shoots spanning its old town, downtown financial hub and offshore Palm island development.

With incredible stunt sequences featured throughout the movie, including the now iconic scene of Cruise scaling the world’s tallest tower, Dubai’s stunning Burj Khalifa, the movie also features Dubai footage shot in high-definition IMAX®, promising crystal-clear imagery, powerful audio and a fantastically immersive experience.

Framed for a terrorist bombing of the Kremlin, Impossible Missions Force operative Ethan Hunt (Cruise) and his entire remaining team (Renner, Patton, Pegg) are disavowed along with the rest of the agency when the president initiates “Ghost Protocol”, essentially erasing the agency from existence.  Left with no resources or backup, the team must find a way on their own to clear their names and prevent another attack. To complicate matters further, Ethan is forced to embark on this mission with a team of fellow IMF fugitives whose personal motives he does not fully know or trust.   

The film’s return to Dubai, following shoots done in Prague, Moscow, Mumbai and Vancouver, is a coup for the emirate, its film festival and the region’s film industry. Under the patronage of UAE Vice President and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Dubai International Film Festival has steadily built its reputation as a global launching pad for Arab, Asian, African and other world cinema and as a facilitator of cultural exchange through film.

Ahmad Abdulla Al Shaikh, Director General of the Dubai Government Media Office, said: “We await with great excitement the return of the Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol filmmakers, crew, and talent to Dubai in December. Dubai’s continuing relationship with the film is a mark of trust in Dubai’s world-class infrastructure, capabilities and leadership. This relationship is a point of pride not only for the emirate but for the region as a whole.” H.E. Mr AlShaikh reiterated that, “Dubai continues to welcome serious filmmakers from around the world, and remains ready to extend all assistance and support necessary to ensure the success of their films. Dubai reaffirms its commitment to the advancement of the local, regional, and international film industries.”      

The developments also mark a coming of age for the first festival in the Gulf region and arguably the most successful in the Arab world and near Asia-Africa.

Abdulhamid Juma, Chairman of the Dubai International Film Festival, said: “Dubai and the UAE are the ‘Mission: Possible’ of the Arab world, so this link is particularly fitting. On behalf of the people of our amazing city and nation, we thank Paramount Pictures and the Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol producers for showing the world the contemporary, successful and diverse Arab world. We are also grateful to them, Four Star and Gulf Film for choosing to bring this remarkable film to DIFF.”

“There is no doubt that this film will have a transformative effect on the region’s film industry, through knowledge transfer, inspiring emerging filmmakers, paving the way for many more collaborations and drawing attention to cinema from this part of the world,” he added.

“We are looking forward to sharing the film first with Dubai,” said Rob Moore, Vice Chairman of Paramount Pictures. “Along with the producers of the movie, we are grateful to the governmental entities and residents who contributed to its successful shoot in Dubai, including the Dubai Studio City, the Dubai Police Department, the Dubai Civil Defense Group, the Roads & Transport Authority, the Dubai Air Wing, the Dubai Health Authority, the Dubai Municipality and the Dubai Customs Agency, and Emaar Properties among several others.”

Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol will be released in theatres across the globe this December.

The Festival has also promised an unprecedented fan experience for opening night, to accommodate the nation’s excitement at the film’s homecoming. More than 5,000 Dubai residents vied to serve as extras during the Dubai shoot, in addition to the 400-plus crewmembers.

In 2010, the Festival opened with Tom Hooper’s The King’s Speech in the presence of Academy Award® winning actor Colin Firth; red carpet gala screenings also included Peter Weir’s The Way Back, attended by Ed Harris and Colin Farrell. DIFF previously served as the regional launch pad for high profile films from Danny Boyle’s Slumdog Millionaire to James Cameron’s Avatar.

The eighth edition of DIFF will be held from December 7 to 14, 2011, in association with Dubai Studio City. Dubai Duty Free, Dubai Pearl, Emirates Airline and Madinat Jumeirah, home to 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 

Dubai-UAE:  – Smart phones have opened new growth avenues and set new trends in e-reading narrowing the digital gap between Arabic and English content, according to senior management from TECOM Investments Media Cluster.

The comment came during the launch of Rufoof, a revolutionary Arabic bookstore application, conceptualised by Flagship Projects, a business partner of TECOM Investments’ Media Cluster.Rufoof was launched on the sidelines of the IP &TV Forum MENA 2011 at a media roundtable hosted by TECOM Investments at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai. Senior management from TECOM Media Clusteras well as Flagship Projects attended the event.

Rufoofhas been designed as an online store providinga wide range of titles including books, articles and e-journals. Content can bedownloaded to enable access even when the device is offline. Bookmarking pages, search,a variety of font sizesandthe ability to change the colour of bookshelves at the online store are some of the features embedded in the application.

Mohammad Abdullah, Managing Director of TECOM Investments’ Media Cluster, said: “Rufoof is a fine example of the growth and proliferation of Arabic content. It is essential to develop and innovate on Arabic homegrown content for users in the region. Developers need to offer the right content and team up with platforms that have the potential to penetrate the market.

“The media cluster is committed to providing young entrepreneurs an environment that encourages innovation through fosteringthe incubation and realization ofinventive concepts.”

Rufoof offers a platform for publishing houses and content driven organisations in the Middle East to make their body of work in English and Arabic available to online users through the purchase of space. Content generators have the option to buy a premium package to publish their books and articles in a special section on Rufoof or simply post their books individually.

With Rufoof, authors and publishers are protected from piracydue to the high security features deployed by a team of software developers.

ShadiHasan, Managing Director, Rufoof, said: “E-books have gained popularity due to the increasing proliferation of the iPhone, iPad and smartphone devices in the region. Rufoof provides a new reading experience for Arabic content users. It is a world-class value-added mobile application unique to the Arab world. The time is right for every publication house tocreatedigital versions of its content togainwider reach and easy accessibility, and Rufoof is delighted to lead by example.”

Flagship Projects, a leading developer of mobile applications in the Middle East, is poised to increase its share in the coming years.Through Rufoof, the application developer is showcasing its best expertise and the ability to develop creative professional content for the local and regional market.

TECOM Investments’ Media Cluster – Dubai Media City, Dubai Studio City and International Media Production Zone – offers business friendly regulatory frameworks and a state-of-the-art infrastructure. Its support of industry events comes as part of its long term objective to build a knowledge base for the benefit of stakeholders in the media sector.

Abu Dhabi, October 30, 2011 – The ADNEC-owned, Hyatt Capital Gate hotel is set to become the first ‘Independently-branded’ Hyatt hotel outside the US, when it opens in the coming months.

Hyatt Capital Gate occupies level 18 – 33 at Abu Dhabi’s iconic leaning tower and targets upscale business travellers seeking an authentic Arabian experience.

As a “standalone brand” under the Hyatt umbrella, Hyatt Capital Gate has a very distinctive logo and brand identity. Besides, the hotel’s interiors have a ‘feel’ designed to provide hotel guests and visitors an upscale and truly unique hospitality experience.

“From a very early stage ADNEC and our partners, Hyatt Hotels Corporation, envisioned Hyatt Capital Gate as a ‘one-of-a-kind’ property, in a global city and located inside one of the world’s most outstanding buildings.  The standalone identity conferred on Hyatt Capital Gate is an apt reflection of the distinctiveness and splendour of the property,” said Sanjay Tanna, Business Development & Investments Director, ADNEC (Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company).

Group and corporate clients of Hyatt Capital Gate will benefit from the ample meeting facilities at ADNEC - from three, state-of-the-art banqueting halls with a 750-guest capacity, to 20 smaller meeting rooms that can accommodate ten to 100 attendees.

The move for an ‘independently-branded Hyatt’ underlines ADNEC’s reputation for innovation and follows the company’s introduction of Aloft-branded hotels, in Abu Dhabi and London. The Aloft Abu Dhabi, which opened in late- 2009, was the very first Aloft hotel in Europe, Middle East & Africa, while Aloft London ExCeL- which is set to open this week, will be the first Aloft in the UK capital.

Aloft targets the new generation of savvy business travelers seeking to be “in-charge” and “in-the-know” at all times. Aloft Abu Dhabi, besides being the largest Aloft in the world, is also the only Aloft property with a rooftop lounge with a capacity of up to 500 guests, and a stunning outdoor banqueting space that can serve up to 750 guests.

The opening of the Hyatt Capital Gate will provide ADNEC with the perfect hospitality mix on-site: lavish luxury on the one hand, as well as affordable accommodation on the other. While Hyatt Capital Gate will cater to the upscale business market, Aloft Abu Dhabi will attract the new generation, forward-thinking travellers. 

A number of other hotels including a Premier Inn and three Rotana properties are due to open in the coming months at Capital Centre, ADNEC’s 23-tower micro-city development, located adjacent to the thriving Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.

Doha, Qatar – October 24, 2011: Jaidah Group, the iconic multi-product importer and retailer, has embarked on an exciting partnership with the US engine technology and power generation experts Cummins Inc.

The first milestone in what both parties are confident is going to be a long and fruitful partnership arrives this week with the opening of a purpose-built Cummins facility in Doha’s Industrial Area. For the first time in Qatar, Cummins Qatar will be providing its world-class products, as well as after-sales service.

The launch of the new facility has been celebrated with an exclusive dinner at venue for Cummins customers in Qatar, with local and international VIPs also in attendance.

Jaidah Group’s Chief Operating Officer, Bengt Schultz, commented, “Jaidah Group has been representing Cummins in Qatar for some time now and we have seen demand for its quality products rise among our customers. For this reason, both parties felt the time was right to open a dedicated Cummins-branded facility to bring all of Cummins’ products under one roof. This has led to the construction of the new facility in the Industrial Area.

“We’re confident that Jaidah Group is the right partner for Cummins Inc. and, since June, we have been working with Cummins on a joint venture to exclusively represent this most prestigious brand in Qatar. Jaidah is all about bringing the best products to Qatar, and Cummins falls into that category. We’re excited to announce the Cummins facility as an expression of our keenness to enhance and continue this rewarding relationship,” Schultz added.

Speaking of the new facility, Cummins Middle East Distribution Managing Director, Rachid Ouenniche, commented, “This partnership was a natural fit for both parties and we’re delighted it continues to flourish. Cummins wants to maximise its profile in the rapidly-expanding Qatari market and Jaidah are, for us, the perfect partners to help us do this through this new entity.”

“Cummins Qatar at the Industrial Area will be the exclusive outlet for our products, coupled with Jaidah’s exceptional customer service, we’re confident about meeting and exceeding customer expectations together. This is a massively important deal for both parties. Cummins has great expectations of this marketplace. Qatari customers are discerning and know what they want and we see this partnership as yet another vote of confidence in this dynamic country,”

New store offers the best in European design and quality for children and adults

Abu Dhabi, Dubai, UAE, 16th October 2011: Al Khayyat Investments LLC, a leading Dubai conglomerate which represents more than 200 top international brands across the Middle East, has announced today the opening of the first Petit Bateau boutique store in Dubai Mall, following a UAE franchise agreement with the French brand.

The agreement marks a major expansion of the brand into the UAE with several more stores planned to be opened in the near future.

Laurent Cabioch, General Manager of Fashion & lifestyle at Al Khayyat Investments said: “We are extremely delighted to open this flagship store for Petit Bateau in Dubai Mall. This brand is incredibly popular and internationally appealing, therefore we are pleased to bring it closer to our consumers here in the UAE. Our research reveals that this brand has always stood out because of its creativity and quality. It was founded in 1893 and continues to invent timeless and comfortable clothes for children and grown-ups alike. We are very much looking forward to a powerful partnership.”

The Petit Bateau ranges focuses on children, from newborn to 12 years of age, with a growing selection for teenagers and adults. This iconic label for trousers and T-shirts reflects an ‘ageless’ style, suiting babies, children and adults all over the world. Beautiful and extremely soft materials, added to its perfectly tailored shapes, come together to create clothing that can be worn all year round, in a range of climates.

Cabioch added: “The flagship Dubai Mall boutique presents the full Petit Bateau collection for babies, children and women.”

Owned by “Yves Rocher” group, Petit Bateau, the French mother and baby clothing company, started over a century ago just outside of Paris, France. Petit Bateau has favoured comfort and quality for its baby, children’s and adults’ clothing.

Petit Bateau offers a variety of designs and colours for newborns, toddlers and juniors, with a wide array of outfit combinations, such as long sleeve tops with classic trousers or lightweight dresses and cardigans, available at the newly opened store.

Enrico Ruffa, Petit Bateau International added: “Petit Bateau is well known today in Europe, the USA, and Asia. Many generations will have worn Petit Bateau or bought items for their children over the years. Consistent high quality coupled with classic French styling has made Petit Bateau unique in its sector today. We are proud to associate the brand with such a reliable partner as Al Khayyat Investments in the UAE. This strategic agreement we have with them underlines the truly international appeal of the brand and we are very optimistic about the brand’s future success in the region.”

Al Khayyat Investments, based in Dubai, has multiple interests across retail, distribution and services sectors. The holding company manages leading retail brands like Kickers, La Martina, BinSina Group of pharmacies, Degrenne Paris, Superdry and Life Fitness, in addition to its food and beverage portfolio including IL Caffe Di Roma and Burger Fuel.

Dubai-UAE: – Landmark Group, the region’s leading retail and hospitality conglomerate,will open registrations for the third edition of its annual ‘Beat Diabetes’ walkathon in the UAE fromFriday, 10 November.Dedicated registration desks will be set up across Centrepoint, Home Centre, Fitness First, Max and Oasis Centre outlets in the UAE.

The UAE leg of the walkathon is scheduled for Friday, 18 November, and will kick-off from the Oasis Centre, Dubai. TheLandmark Group will also host walkathons across Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia,as well as Bangalore in India during November, which is the International Diabetes Awareness Month.

Legendary cricketer, WasimAkram, has once again extended his solidarity to the cause and will lead the UAE walkathon.Last year too, he flagged off the 3.1 km walk.

For the 2011 edition of Beat Diabetes, the Landmark Group has inked a partnership with the International Diabetes Federation (IDF)to become the organisation’s first non – pharmaceutical retail corporate partner.Mario Fetz, Director of External Relations at IDF, will join the walk in the UAE to support the Beat Diabetes initiative.

Open to all age groups, the walkathon accepts registrations at no fees and offers all participantsa t-shirt and cap. Complimentary blood glucose tests and distribution of awareness pamphlets to educate the community about diabetes are additional activities organised during the walkathon.

Across the year, the Group conducts various events in its on-goingendeavour to spread awareness about the growing incidence of diabetes. The walkathon is the Group’sflagship event.

In 2010, the Landmark Group’s ‘Beat Diabetes’ walkathon attracted over 25,000 people whileover 30,000 were administered free blood glucose tests across six countries. Over 8,000 from different emirates of the UAE participated in the walk with the number set to exceed 10,000 this year.

Diabetes is a silent killer that has no curebut can be managed through making lifestyle changes. Landmark Group’s mission is to create awareness through the walkathon and encourage people to adopt a healthy lifestyle to‘beat diabetes’.