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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ramadan Exhibition at Deira City Centre

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

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

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

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

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

ZyXEL's New ZyWALL

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

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

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

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

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

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

Availability

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

Masterchef 8000 pic

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

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

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

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

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

September 1, 2010

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

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

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

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

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

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

Food - Single

Jeddah, September 1, 2010: National Prawn Company, world leader in desert coastal aquaculture, has been awarded the prestigious British Retail Consortium (BRC) Global Standard for Food Safety.

The BRC, established its Global Standard for Food Safety based on standards set forth in the Global Food Safety Initiative. BRC standards provide a measure by which food manufacturers and suppliers can demonstrate to current and potential customers a commitment to food safety and quality.

To achieve the “A” rating, NPC met rigorous requirements for the processing of Aquacultured Raw, Cooked, Chilled and Frozen Shrimp Products at its Al Lith aquaculture operation on the Red Sea desert coast, where it currently produces and processes 15,000mt of shrimp each year. 

Managing Director, Eng. Ahmad R. Al Balla, said, ”This is a tremendous achievement for the whole team and will, we hope, help us open up new markets.  This is a very important accreditation, which demonstrates our commitment to the highest standards of quality and sustainability across all our operations”.

NPC has other accreditations including HACCP, ISO 14001, ISO 9001 and ISO 22000 and is the only Saudi Arabian aquaculture operation to have a licence to export to the EU.

NPC exports its shrimps to over 30 markets and has recently launched a domestic brand, Red Sea Shrimp, in the growing Saudi Market.

Beverage & dairy products manufacturer actively contributes to various social & charitable causes

September 1, 2010

Monther Al Harthi

In line with its special corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives for Ramadan, Al Rabie Saudi Foods Co. Ltd., a pioneering producer of dairy products and juices in the KSA and the largest juice manufacturer in the Middle East is supporting the Iftar programme arranged by the Kingdom’s various charitable organisations and mosques for the holy month.

“Each day during Ramadan, Muslims throughout the country break their fast by taking part in the Iftar meal at mosques and charitable institutions. We were keen on making a small yet meaningful contribution during the holy month by including our juices in this special meal; after all, this is the season of giving and sharing,” said Monther Al Harthi, Chief Executive Officer, Al Rabie Saudi Foods Co. Ltd.       

“We consider it a great honour to be able to help thousands of our Muslim brothers break their fast in keeping with the true spirit of Ramadan,” said AbdulMohsin Abuharba, Head of CC, PR & CSR in Al Rabie Saudi Foods Co. Ltd.

Al Rabie Saudi Foods Co. Ltd. supports the Iftar programme of various mosques and workshops teaching the Koran in all regions of the Kingdom for the year 1431 H. Over the past years the company has been funding and assisting the programme and is committed to continue doing so in the future.

Al Rabie constantly develops and implements plans and strategies to provide good health for all through its products. It has participated in several food fairs and trade exhibitions and has launched numerous social programs as part of its commitment to community service

Heritage events & popular celebrations to attract travelers & boost local and regional business

September 1, 2010

Gamal-Sadek

The Sultanate of Oman has outlined its 2010 Ramadan and Eid program, which will run until September 9, 2010. The Oman government expects such events to accelerate tourism development and exceed the projected 3 per cent share of the tourism sector to the local GDP by the end of Oman’s Five-Year Plan spanning 2011 to 2015. The World Travel and Tourism Council has already predicted that Oman’s tourism sector will post the highest growth in the Middle East and the third-highest in the world in 2010.

The Ministry’s Ramadan and Eid programme includes entertaining and educational sight-seeing activities over the four-day Eid period. Children in particular will enjoy the visits to heritage locations in Oman’s interior region such as the Cultural Village in Bahla, Marah Land, Sawadi Beach, and Wadi Andam. Family-themed events such as group iftars, cultural and religious contests such as Quran memorization, and competitions in sports such as soccer and table tennis are also included in the Ministry’s 2010 Ramadan and Eid calendar.

“Last year’s Ramadan and Eid agenda was highly successful, so we are making sure that we have the right facilities, amenities and support for local businesses to repeat if not surpass 2009’s results. This season we shall once again fulfill our social responsibilities while supporting Oman’s overall economic growth. We call on the local business community to partner with us in securing a larger number of tourists while showcasing Oman’s unique heritage,” said Gamal Sadek, Director, Sultanate of Oman Ministry of Tourism Representative Offices, GCC.

Aside from its Ramadan programme, Oman’s Ministry of Tourism recently announced other highly-anticipated activities for the final quarter of 2010, including the Asian Beach Games, the Dubai to Muscat Offshore Sailing Race, and the 4th International Conference on Responsible Tourism.

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

September 1, 2010

PlanetSolar

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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