News from Dubai - Archive

Dubai, June 2010

A radical expanding process of Emirates Airline

The largest individual order within the aviation exhibition (ILA) in Berlin caused quite a stir. The company "Airbus" celebrates a big success by sending in total 90 planes, type A380, to the famous customer Emirates Airline, which now is the fastest expanding airline in the world. This is a big step for Airbus during the economical recovery. Through this the company could pass by their strong contender Boeing. But apart from all the congratulations to Airbus it furthermore should be noticed that this step forward for Emirates means one step back for Lufthansa. The German airline only ordered 15 of the biggest passenger planes and really cannot hit the front page compared to the rising competitor. Until 2017 the 90 A380 will be delivered to Emirates which also means an enhancement for the employment market, because around 700 pilots are necessary and definitely will be hired.

Dubai, June 2010

The 13th summer festival is upon us

Finally summertime reached Europe. Heat causes joy in Germany but seems daunting if one imagine being in Dubai at present with even more ardency. The city however knows how to make itself attractive - "Dubai Summer Surprises", the yearly summer festival, will occur from the 17th of June until the 7th of August 2010. It's family time for almost 8 weeks! This event offers activities for every age and interest. The most colourful variety will certainly be presented for kids. The indoor fun park "Modesh World" is main attraction of "Dubai Summer Surprises" and younger and older kids, as well as parents, can explore 40 themes within the centre. Furthermore adults can experience activities within Dubai from lottery, fashion shows, special shopping offers to live TV coverages of the World Cup. Enjoy the summer!

Dubai, June 2010

Al-Maktoum International Airport will hopefully be opened on the 27th of June

After building freezes caused delays, at long last the biggest airport in the world will open its gates end of this month. The Al-Maktoum International Airport (DWC) is main composition within the challenge "Dubai World Central". This large-scale project includes a residential area, golf facilities, establishments for logistics, aviation services as well as research and development areas. Al-Maktoum's conceptual design lays the foundation for receiving the biggest airplanes. Each year the airport can attend 160 millions of passengers and up to 12 million tons of freight.

Dubai, June 2010

World Cup in High Definition

Also Dubai made up his mind how to offer football fans a proper "public viewing"area. Near the Jumeirah Beach Residence, Dubai Marina, a "World Cup Tent" will be opened under the patronage of "Dubai Properties". "The stadium at The Walk" will be able to accommodate up to 350 football fans who can follow the live TV coverage from South Africa within a luxurious flair with beachfront view. Luxurious flair precisely means: various delicious food and beverage propositions, air conditioning (of course!), lounge style seats, V.I.P area and not less than 34 high definition plasma screens (7x4 meters)?Why watching at home?

Dubai, June 2010

Air Berlin launches new flight connections, amongst others to Dubai

Starting from November Air Berlin, Germany's second largest airline, will launch three weekly flights from the capital to Dubai. This is a welcomed enhancement for Berlin as an international business location. With this new conjunction the airline will operate the Middle East for the first time with a regularly non-stop connection from Germany. This stands for more comfort, less stress and time loss for all tourists flying to Dubai-especially business travelers. Early bookers can enjoy this enrichment already from 199 ? one way including all taxes.

Dubai, May 2010

Three newly opened stations for Metro Dubai

Since start of construction in 2005 the first 10 stations of Dubai's metro were inaugurated end of 2009. Since that day more and more stops are conductive to the city's infrastructural expansion. The longest route, the so called "red line", will bestride more than 50 km with a total of 29 stops. On the 15th of May 2010 finally three more stations could be launched and the missing ones shall be added within the next month. The new stop names are "World Trade Center", "GGICO" und "Noor Islamic Bank". Additional 152 shuttle busses are in use to satisfy the demand.

Dubai, April 2010

The exhibition for humanitarian aid and benefaction for the 9th time in Dubai

The "International Humanitarian Aid und Development Conference and Exhibition (DIHAD)" with this years' main focus on crisis management during catastrophes successfully took place in Dubai from the 4th until the 6th of April 2010. Year by year the exhibition set itself the target to communicate and distribute technical innovations and principal improvements of development assistance worldwide. New products and services for supporting needy people were introduced and conferences, workshops and discussions served the spread of helpfulness. Also DIHAD 2010 was able to present progresses with innovative diagnostically methods, emergency equipment and various technologies.

Dubai, April 2010

Aspiration for the "Blue Flag" on Dubai beaches

The "Blue Flag", an internationally acknowledged eco label, could grade up the beaches in Dubai already in 2011. Until now tourists can come across blue flags in 41 countries (= 3.450 beaches and sport boat marinas), these signs are guarantors for especially clean and neat sea sides. But not only the tidiness can assure the coveted certification, which meanwhile covers more than 30 points of criteria. Apart from beach condition and water quality mainly aspects of sustainability are decisive. The assessment procedure is extensive as well as quite difficult to understand and the received mention will be controlled season by season. Is this effort worthwhile? Indeed. As a marketing factor within the tourism industry mainly European travelers appreciate this eco label (the Blue Flag appears inside tour operator's catalogues) to make sure that they can enjoy their vacation on a neat beach.

Donald Trump jun. at Cityscape Dubai

Already in the run-up to this year's Cityscape exhibition, which takes place between 5th and 8th October 2009 in Dubai, Donald Trump, executive vice president of the Trump Organization and Donald Trump's son (picture) is to talk about his assessment of the world's real estate market, whose relaxation he attributes to the development in the US, to the liquidity and creation of new work places there. China and India would recover sooner than the Western states. Despite the problems, he rates real estates as a solid, long-term and safe financial investment, providing that the right people operate the business. The Trump organization has witnessed the crisis very closely with the temporary termination of the project Trump International Hotel & Tower on Palm Jumeirah. Beside numerous attractive events during Cityscape, the "green day" on 7th October stands for a reminder of cost-saving, sustainable and energy-saving developments.

Passenger record for Etihad

With more than 616.000 passengers in July 2009, Etihad Airways recorded the highest number of air line customers in a single month. This is also the highest number since the foundation of the airline in 2003 and a rise by nine percent in comparison to July 2008. Definitive highlight within this busy month: on Friday, 31st July, 21.640 passengers were aboard the Etihad planes with a set load factor of 90, 3 per cent. The entire last week of July was equally successful. An average of more than 20.500 passengers flew with Etihad Airways every day. With 900 weekly flights in total - a rise of 20 per cent compared to last year's flight offers - and an average set load factor of about 88 per cent within the first, business and economy cabins, Etihad Airways looks back at a particularly successful month.

First automatic parking block opened in Dubai

Dubai has an attraction more: on 12th August 2009 the first automatic parking block of the Mid East - Dubai's answer to its growing parking problems. The parking block is capable of containing as many as 765 cars and is the centre piece of the first constructing stage of the new multifunction centre Ibn Battuta Gate with bureaus, apartments and an identically-named 5-star Mövenpick-hotel beside the shopping mall at the Sheikh Zayed Road. The automatic park and pick up process takes less than 3 minutes. The technology is Robotic Parking's, a US enterprise. The system is able to cope with as many as 250 parking processes every hour.

The Countdown is on?

?to the first "Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix" at the 1st November 2009 on Yas Island, one of the biggest natural islands of the emirate Abu Dhabi. In time to the race, seven new hotels are to be inaugurated. One of them is the 5-star Yas Hotel, which is erected partly on land and partly over the marina and the drivers are going to shoot through it as it were as the race course leads directly through the hotel. The completion of the race course and the hotels belong to the first stage of construction. Those who want to pay a visit to the race, should make their plans in time: there are merely 17.000 hotel rooms for the 50.000 visitors, who are expected to come. ?.The construction of buildings on the island did not start until 2007 and once it will be finished by 2018, Yas Island will be equipped with a golf course, theme parks, shopping malls, marinas and a residential area - everything la creme de la creme as a matter of course and merely 10 minutes away from Abu Dhabi International Airport. Yas Island stretches over an area as big as 2.500 mi² and has a coastal area as wide as 32 kilometres. By the period of inauguration in 2018 about two thirds of the island will be accessed and built-up. ALDAR Properties PJSC I, an investor and management company for properties with its head office in Abu Dhabi, is in charge of the project. Information: www.yasisland.ae

UAE: Leaders in Dubai Business Forum

From 26th to 28th October 2009 this forum takes places in the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Center under the motto "A New Beginning". The business world has changed and the target of the forum is to look out for new ways, to find new strategies and to gain new insights. About 1.500 businessmen are expected to participate and they can look forward to listening to illustrious speakers: e.g. Al Gore (picture), Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Gary Hamel, currently strategy guru, or David Plouffe, Campaign Manager of President Obama. www.leadersindubai.com

UAE: Renewable Energies as school subject

The Ministry for Education of Abu Dhabi has delegated a blue ribbon commission to put the new school subject into the national curriculum - a hitherto unparalleled project in the region with the aim to meet the requirements of the future employment market. The initiators of Masdar, the new city future project, which uses only renewable energies, provides experts, who are to assist in the development and formulation of the corresponding curricula. Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, CEO of Masdar, hopes that more national students will take an interest in the Academic Institute for Renewable Energies of MASDAR in a long term due to this project. The Masdar Institute for Science and Technology cooperates with the famous MIT and is in charge of the teacher training. Moreover, Masdar is going to organize a permanent exhibition for young people. Within this scope, competitions will take place and their winners will be honoured with the prestigious Zayed Award for Future Energy.

Emiral Horse festival at 16th August 2009 in Frankfurt

In the course of the celebrations to the 100th anniversary of Sheikh Zayed I's death the "Zayed I Cup" can be won in several European states at the "Festival Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan Arabian Horse Flat-races". Sheikh Mansoor, the vice Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs fields his won horse Raheef. After races in Holland and France (picture) the competition is to be taking place in Frankfurt at 16th August 2009. Among the sponsors are, apart from sheikh Mansoor's stud, the culture office of Abu Dhabi, the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, the real estate company Sorouh and ADIHEX (Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition). "The Emirates celebrate Zayed the Great and horses played a very important role during his reign. The Arabic horse in the Arabic culture in general and in the Emirates in particular is a synonym for the identity of the leaders of the country and its citizens" according to Mohammed Khalaf Al Mazrouei, the general manager of the culture office. "The festival is to bring the emiral culture to attention in Europe". Information about the race in Frankfurt: www.renn-klub-frankfurt.de

UAE: cultural test for visa

According to its spokesman Abdulaziz Abdullah Al Ghurair, the Federal National Council plans a test for foreigners, who are willing to settle in the UAE and who need a corresponding visa. The test is to make sure that the immigrants know more about the national identity, the culture, the social values, the religion and traditions of the Emirates. In October 2009 the Council is to devise strategies how foreigners can gain a better understanding of the country. Only those who succeed in the test, which consists of questions like "Which is the official religion of the Emirates" or "What does the flag of the Emirates look like?" get the chance to obtain a visa. Additionally, a brochure is planned, which is to inform about the traditions of the country and which is to be distributed to all the embassies and consular offices.

UAE: Islam Exhibition in Abu Dhabi

Entitled "Islam: faith and worship" the cultural office of Abu Dhabi in cooperation with the Turkish government department for Tourism and Culture organizes an exhibition at the hotel Emirates Palace, which can be visited until 10th October 2009. The exhibition is to put the people in the right mood in view of Istanbul, European Capital of Culture 2010 (together with food and the Hungarian P?cs). Moreover, the exhibition is an attraction for the local inhabitants during Ramadan (21st August - 19th September 2009). For the presentation in Abu Dhabi particularly, about 150 pieces of Islamic art were compiled, which are partly the first time open to the public and were transported from seven Turkish museums and national libraries. Among them is a great deal of Arabic craftsmanship from several centuries like Arabic calligraphy as decoration for pieces of metal, wood and textile (picture: calligraphy embroidery on silk velvet from the 19th century). Miniaturist and valuable manuscripts can also be seen. The exhibition is accompanied by cultural events like Sufi shows and workshops.

UAE: DTCM with new visitor information office at terminal 3

In order to provide visitors of Dubai as early as at the beginning of their stay with all the necessary information, the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) recently opened its own visitor information office at terminal 3 of the Dubai International Airport (picture). Thus, information about Dubai, its sights and tourist attractions as well as to various events, entertainment programs or shopping promotions is immediately available to guests of the VAE. Furthermore, staff of the DTCM provides business people and vacationers with valuable tips about hotels and hotel apartments. This recently installed visitor information office is already the sixth of its sort. The other five are situated at the terminal 1 of the Dubai International Airport, the Deira City Center, the Ibn Battuta Mall, the Wafi City as well as the BurJuman Centre.

UAE: Cityscape Dubai from 5th to 8th October 2009

In the eighth year since its foundation the organizers do not expect the record figures (80.000 visitors and 950 exhibitors) of last year's exhibition - the financial and housing crisis makes sure that merely professionals pay a visit to it. One readily relinquishes the big number of amateur investors and speculators. In the International Exhibition and Convention Center famous personalities will meet at one of the biggest realty exhibition, as for instance Donald Trump jun. - not only at the exhibition, but also at the concurrent congress. At the same time, that is on 5th to 7th October, the World Architectural Congress takes place and expects the world stars of architecture, who are to discuss their subject on the backdrop of the global recession. Information under www.cityscape.ae

Ramadan 2009

Ramadan, also called the ninth and holy month of the Islam, lasts from 21st August until 19th September in 2009. Between dusk and dawn nothing is eaten or drunk and at nightfall the fast-breaking begins with the "Al Maghrib" prayer. The Ramadan evenings traditionally begin with milk and dates and often last until late at night. The three-day religious festival "Eid al Fitr" officially concludes Ramadan. Fasting only applies to Moslems, tourists are exempted from it. They are asked, however, to be considerate of those who fasten.

"Kids go free" in Dubai

Dubai is as attractive for families with children as never before. Matching the current attractive flight offers of the airlines and of the local hotel business, the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing has brought into life an especially family-friendly promotion named "Kids Go Free"- programme. More than 70 hotels and apartment hotels take part in the project, which lasts until 20th September. Owing to the new DTCM initiative, families can save even more money, because their offspring under 16 is allowed to enjoy the stay for free in most of the cases: do the parents stay the night in one of the participant hotels, their child is entitled to sleep three nights free of charge. In some hotels the child is served a cost-free breakfast, lunch and dinner on top of that. Moreover, the fun parks "Sega Republic", "Dubai Aquarium", "Underwaterzoo" and "Dubai Ice Rink" in the Dubai Mall as well as the "Montgomerie Gold Club" grant free entrance to children under 16 provided that it is accompanied by two paying parents. The "Atlantis, The Palm" (picture) also participates in the project: if a parent buys a ticket, the child gets free entrance to the Atlantis highlights "Aquaventure", "Lost Chambers" and "Dolphin Bay". At the following dinner in the Atlantis restaurant the offspring also eats at no charge.

UAE: Sheikh Mohammed in twitter and facebook

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the sovereign of Dubai has a liking for new technologies. Hence he is also dubbed e-Sheikh. The e-Sheikh also operates his won website and after being willing to participate personally in Internet chats with the population several times, he is also to be found at twitter: http://twitter.com/HHShkMohd and facebook: ttp://www.facebook.com/sheikhmohammed. Sheikh Mohammed of all the sovereigns of the seven emirates is considered to be the one, who keeps in touch with people most frequently both on the conventional way and by way of electronic means. He is also in the fore in this respect as far as all the sovereigns in the golf states are concerned

Emiral cultural week in Berlin

In the course of the cultural exchange between the United Arabic Emirates and Germany a cultural week takes places between 9th and 14th July under the auspices of Abdul Rahman mohammed Al Owais, the culture secretary of the UAE. In front of the Red City Hall in Berlin-Mitte a "heritage village" is to be set up, in which interested visitors can get an idea of the life and traditions in the UAE. From 10th July onwards people are invited to visit an art exhibition in the DZ bank at Pariser Platz and from 11th July onwards the BHF bank (in Franzoesische Straße 9-12) exhibits drawings and calligraphy of emiral artists. The cultural week is founded among others by the embassy of the UAE and by the Arab-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Hot date festival in the desert

The Liwa Al Ratab (date) Festival under the auspices of Sheik Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Minister for Presidential Affairs takes place for the fifth time in Liwa Oasen between 16th and 27th July. For the first time it will be organized by the culture office ADACH in Abu Dhabi. Thus, it guarantees a diverse and professionally organized event as Mohammed Khalaf Al Mazroui, the general manager of ADACH and dean of the organization committee promises. When the focus is set on the farming and cultivation of date palms an increased planting of them is promoted, tourists also benefit as they are many events revolving around the cultural heritage in specially-arranged tents for the entire family. Moreover, there is a market with 140 shops. The whole festival area stretches over 40.000 mi². Between Abu Dhabi and Liwa a bus shuttle is to be installed. One mustn't be sensitive to heat, though, as all visitors have to put up with 40 degrees in the shade.

Etihad opens premium lounge in Frankfurt

For years have passengers of Etihad Airways been enjoying first-class service, which was honoured with prestigious awards. In order to regale their customers on the soil according to their standards as well, the airline opened a luxurious premium lounge at its home airport in Abu Dhabi back in spring. First and business class passengers are given the opportunity to spend their waiting period until take-off in the charming Six Senses Spa among other facilities in a more pleasant manner. Now Etihad offers this service in Germany too and opened the first premium lounge outside its home airport in Abu Dhabi at 1st July. Located at terminal E, the premium lounge stretches from the security check to the gate of Etihad. Guests get the opportunity to take a seat in the lounge three hour before take-off und to enjoy the impressive idea. However, this idea is not merely for the first and business customers of Etihad to spend their time before take-off in a more pleasant manner, but rather to give them the chance to mix business with pleasure in an effective and stress-free way

UAE: IRENA in Abu Dhabi

On 29th June 2009 Abu Dhabi was declared the head office by the member states of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA; the picture show Sheik Abdullah, the foreign minister of the UAE at the decision-making). At the same time, Bonn was selected as the IRENA Centre for Technology and Innovation. Thus, the commitment of Abu Dhabi relating to renewable energies is recognized by the International Fold and appreciated correspondingly. The building accommodating IRENA is believed to be completed by 2011 and to be erected in Masdar City. Abu Dhabi has already pledged 135 million Dollar for purposes of research. The fact that Masdar City and Masdar Institute of Science and Technology have loomed large in terms of planning played undoubtedly a big role in the decision-making and Abu Dhabi occupies consequently a leading role in the field of renewable energies.

UAE: Dubai 2020

The latest vision of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum (picture), leader of Dubai was announced on the 28 June 2009: "Dubai 2020" - an initiative whose centre will be a workgroup who explores the potential of Dubai to be the host of the World Expo, as well as the Olympic Games and the Paralympics in 2020. To bring these events together would be an unique move of which the economy, sciences and technologies in sports, education and culture would benefit of. The company Falcon and Associates is commissioned to lead the project "Dubai 2020". Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, crown prince of Dubai will assume the chairmanship, his substitute will be Sheikh Ahmad bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. At first a research of feasibility of execution is done before the formal applications at the International Olympic Committee and the Expo office is made. (bs)

UAE: Dubai Green Tourism Award

The Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) founded officially their first initiative for reduce of CO2 emissions of 20 % in the tourism industry of Dubai until 2011. The highlight will be the awarding of the Dubai Green Tourism Award in line with the World Environment Day in December 2009. The central aims of this initiative are to promote the awareness for the consequences of climate change, the CO2 emissions and the energy consumption of the tourism industry, the introduction of new methods to promote initiatives in the range of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and the development of an information culture in this sector on the topic of effective tourism. The hotels of Dubai produce about 6,500 tons of CO2 emissions in the average in one year, and the carbon dioxide emissions of all hotels of the emirate amounts annual to 500 million kilo. This amount complies with 60,000 return flights between Dubai and London. These activities are part of the agenda of the DTCM to support the effective tourism in Dubai. It is expected that 200 hotels of the 3, 4 and 5 stars categories as well as apartment hotels of the high-end class to join the competition of the annual accolade.

UAE: "Dubai Summer Surprises" started

Until the 14 August the "Dubai Summer Surprises" attract visitors from all over the world for the 14th time to the event of the superlative in the Emirate at the Persian Gulf. For nine weeks families with their kids are going to be entertained with different each a week lasting surprises. These surprises are going from "Food Surprises" where visitors are pampered with culinary viands, over "Knowledge Surprises" where especially children are kittenish taught about sciences and technique up to the "Heritage Surprises" where the traditional life of the Emirates is presented.

Qatar Airways with Summer-specials

Qatar Airways makes go for far destinations like Dubai, Bangkok, Colombo and the Maldives with attractive Super-Summer-Specials. Already for ? 120 (prices for return flight in the economy class additionally taxes and dues) guests from Munich and Berlin can fly with the five star airline to Dubai. The sales and booking period is from 1 July until 31 August 2009. The shortest duration of stay is three days or one night from Saturday to Sunday. As a maximum duration of stay is a month announced but the 30 September 2009 is the last possible date for return flight. Rail & Fly Tickets are in the price included from all German railroad stations

UAE: CFT founded in Abu Dhabi

A new chamber of foreign trade (CFT) was founded by the two economics minister of the countries baron Dr. Karl Theodor zu Guttenberg (photo) and Sultan Bin Saeed Al Mansoori. The foundation ceremony took place at the Hotel Emirates Palace. The "German-Emirati Joint Council for Industry & Trade" is the first bilateral organisation of its kind in the Emirates. Nameable personalities from the economy from both countries are in the executive board. The first CEO is Youssef Bin Omeir Youssef, chairman of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC). (bs)

UAE: Successful Dubai campaign

A complete success for the destination offensive "Keep Discovering Dubai": For the global image campaign the international airline Emirates, the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) as well as hoteliers and destination management companies joined forces to welcome several journey experts and journalists from 62 countries in Dubai. The local hoteliers allocated 7,300 hotel overnight stays. More than 2,400 international participants among them members of travel agencies, travel agents, event and MICE agencies as well as media representatives were away on six weekends in Dubai to explore the desert emirate. The campaign "Keep Discovering Dubai" is supposed to give fresh impetus to the local tourism and get Dubai more attractive as a place for business and holiday vacationers. The initiative was the entering wedge to tighten Dubai's touristic strength. Aim of each of the three days sightseeing tour was to highlight the position of Dubai as a holiday destination and habitat for international conferences.

UAE: Etihad places record order

It is the largest order in the commercial history of aviation. A total of 239 engines was appointed by Etihad Airways at this year's Parisians aviation fair in Le Bourget to the four manufacturer GE Aviation, Rolls-Royce, Engine Alliance and International Aero Engines (IAE). This order ties in with the last year's bulk order of more than 100 new machines which was placed at the Farnborough International Air show. Besides the firm order of 100 machines Etihad sealed on the Farnborough aviation fair 2008 the rights at the purchase of further 105 machines, which are going to be delivered between 2011 and 2020. In exercise to this purchase option further 230 engines are needed. The order value of the 469 engines amounts to ? 10 billion and would therefore be the largest one in the commercial aviation history.

UAE: Prince of the poets in Abu Dhabi

The poetic arts are ranked first with the Fine Arts within the Arab world and especially in the Gulf States. For the third time the annual poet championship "Prince of Poets" started on the 11 June 2009 at the Raha Beach Theatre in Abu Dhabi. The show begins every Thursday at 22h30. The popular poet contest is seen by millions of television viewers. The weekly live show of Abu Dhabi TV is dominated by a severe jury and is tracked in many countries of the Arab world. Within the next 10 weeks the decision will be made who of the 35 candidates from mostly all Arab countries will gain the first price which is endowed with an amount of one million UAE dirham (about ? 200,000), as well as a precious prince robe and a lordly prince ring. The TV-show is supported by the Authority for Culture Abu Dhabi and produced by Pyramidia which is a rapid growing media group in Abu Dhabi which produces also cine films since this year. Even the candidates on the places 2 to 4 are able to look forward to interesting prize money and the sale of collections of their poems on CD. This year's topics are the Fort Al Jahili in Al Ain and the memory of Sheikh Zayed I whose 100's anniversary of the death was this year. The stage design was manufactured for this event. (bs)

UAE: Participate at the biannual Venice

For the first time a country of the Gulf States takes part at this year's biannual. Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan (photo), chairman of the Authority for culture Abu Dhabi, opened the pavilion of the Emirate on the 4 June 2009. To be seen is modern art, performance, video art, photographs of Lamya Gargash and architecture design whereas the museum of Islamic Civilisation Sharjah which was opened in 2008 as a model is on display. The biannual Venice is the oldest and mostly most famous of the meanwhile 120 biennials worldwide. As it is planned to build 19 biennial buildings at the cultural district on Saadiyat island the Authority for Culture Abu Dhabi collects experiences with their participate at the biannual. (bs)

UAE: A new maritime museum has opened in Sharjah

Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, leader of Sharjah has opened the new Sharjah Maritime Museum (photo) in the presence of the crown prince on the 11 June 2009. The museum is a further step to document the cultural heritage of the region. The new museum replaces the little old aquarium and sea museum in the cultural district of Sharjah city. To be seen are e. g. many examples of the maritime live, traditional tools of fishermen and pearl diver, examples of dhows and pictures of legendary captains. The modern museum building is located in the borough Al Khan which is one of the oldest pearl diver villages of the emirate, where some of the traditional coral stone buildings as well as the mosque are obtained close to the sea. (bs)

UAE: Real estate market in Dubai

Cityscape is the largest company when it comes to real estate fairs. Cityscape fairs are taking place in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Saudi Arabia (Jeddah), New York, Singapore, Mumbai, Moscow and Latin America. The decision maker of the real estate sector, international investors, construction companies, governmental institutions, leading architects and many more are visiting this fair, which is known as the barometer of the sector. The latest product of Cityscape is Cityscape Connect a platform for discussions, which connects international experts of the real estate area. The presentation which took place in the beginning of June 2009 in Dubai resulted in careful optimism: The reanimation of the real estate market in Dubai is expected in the first half of 2010. The time between is supposed to be used to recondition the lost belief in each other and to improve the legal situation. (bs)

Saudi-Arabia: Cityscape from 14 ? 16 June 2009

The always well visited international established fair takes place in the kingdom Saudi-Arabia for the first time. Standing under the patronage of prince Misha'al bin Majed bin Abdulaziz, the governor of Jeddah and supported by the Chamber of Industry and Commerce of Jeddah 100 exhibitors are going to meet on the 10,000 qm area of the Jeddah Centre for Forums & Events. 5000 visitors are expected. With them also important decision maker in the sector of the real estate market. Saudi-Arabia is the most rapidly growing country of the Middle East and the real estate market is second biggest economic driver with a total sum of about $ 283 billion of real estates which are build at the moment, after kerosene. Seven new cities are going to be build, the biggest one, King Abdullah City, to the north of Jeddah at the Red Sea (picture). According to the market review which was published in January 2009 of the prestigious Global Investment House (Kuwait) the growth forecasts for the Saudi economy are resilient at the background of investment programs within the public and oil area with a total amount of about $ 400 billion in the next 5 years. Information: www.cityscapesaudiarabia.com (bs)

UAE: Fair hospital build Middle East 2009 in Dubai

The times, where citizens of the Gulf States are putting themselves for treatment to Europe or the USA because of the missing sanitary accommodations are coming to an end. All Gulf States have developed a strategy for health policy. In long term the aim is to attract patients from Europa and the USA. Hospitals with best attachment and good specialists are existing and furthermore are in build. The financial crisis forces the Emirates into planning more effective and to carry out their plans. This is the reason for the IIR Middle East to organise the first fair of this kind. It takes place from 14 to 16 June 2009 at the Dubai International Conference and Exhibition Centre. Especially the non clinical aspects are getting allowance and it is about the whole palette of services in this sector. The exhibition is completed by a conference program with high-quality referees. www.hospitalbuild-me.com (bs)

UAE: Farjam collection in Dubai

Famous gatherers of Islamic art are booming within the Emirates. After a great exhibition of Islamic Arts in the Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi during the last year Dubai cinches now exhibits of the Farjam collection. The Iranian Dr Farhad Farjam owns one of the most beautiful private collections of Islamic Arts worldwide. One part of his collection which comprises almost the whole Islamic history, is to be seen in building 4 at the Gate Village of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). The exhibits consists of precious Koran manuscripts, miniatures, illustrated, scientific books, fine adorned metal and Japan work, glass, ceramic and wood works, as well as textiles, mintage, jewellery, carpets and paintings. Abdulla bin Sougat, CEO of DIFC Lifestyle Group: ?The collection shows the passion of the collector. With this exhibition the DIFC shows for another time that it gets also exhibitions going besides it's a financial centre. This house is centre of attraction for art lover from the region and enriches the cultural heritage of the own population?. Opening hours: Sunday-Thursday 10h-20h, Saturday 12h-20h. (bs)

UAE: Family quantities for vacationers in Dubai

In Summer Dubai attracts families to the Gulf: Emirates Airline launched the ?Emirates Kids Go Free Special Dubai? and the ?Happy Family Fares? which is supposed to make the Desert-Sea-Destination with its day after tomorrow atmosphere more attractive to parents and kids. Emirates is the only airline carrying a child up to 16 years for free (incurring taxes and additional costs) when it is in company with 2 adults traveling to the Gulf in the context of the ?Emirates Kids Go Free Special Dubai?. Further children who are traveling with are gaining attractive discounts. The offer is valid until 20 September in connection with an arrangement of hotel accommodation at selected tour operators, bookable as Economy and Business Class, the DB Rail & Fly Ticket is included. Several hotels share in this campaign with free habitation for kids. Within the context of ?Happy Family Fares? 2 children are flying for 1 euro plus taxes and costs until 31 October, while adults are paying the regular organizer price for the Economy Class at the Emirates. The offer, inclusive DB Rail&Fly Ticket second class, is valid in connection with a hotel reservation within the Emirate.

UAE: Football match Germany versus United Arab Emirates

The national teams of the United Arab Emirates (photo) and Germany challenge on the 2 June 2009 a friendly game in the Al Maktoum Stadion (Al Nasr Club) In Dubai. Tickets are available at the Virgin Mega Stores in Dubai (Deira City Center, Mall of the Emirates, Mercato Mall, Jumeirah Beach Residence, Burjuman Mall) and at the Abu Dhabi Mall in Abu Dhabi City. Further information can be found at the UAE Football Association: Tel: 00971/4/2944411, Fax: 00971/4/2944344, Email: info@uaefa.ae. The game is shown in Germany on the ZDF. (bs)

UAE: Campaign in commemoration of Sheikh Zayed I

This campaign which already started on 19 May 2009 is supposed to last one year. In celebration of the 100th anniversary of Sheikh Zayed Bin Khalifa (picture from the Al Ain Museum), who governed Abu Dhabi for 54 years, the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (ADACH) organised an event at schools, universities and other institutions. Aim of this program is to bring the role of Sheikh Zayed I - what he is also called - especially in the points of politics, economy and society where he laid the foundation for the Emirates from today, nearer to every Emirate and mainly the habitants of Abu Dhabi. He was ahead of the times but his grandchild Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE president who died in 2004, was given the opportunity to unite the seven Emirates on the 2 December 1971. A wealth of publications in English and Arab are published during the next weeks and months from ADACH. These are free for pupils, students and habitants. A biography of Sheikh Zayed I is also found within the publications. The material is going to be found within governmental authorities, cultural centres and on the fair grounds as well as at the endowment for culture, the Al Ain National Museum and at the Al Jahili Fort in Al Ain. The campaign will get its own homepage, which is under construction at the moment. (bs)

UAE: Dubai Capital Club

The club is located within the four highest floors in building 3 of the Gate Village in Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). The exclusive private club was open in April 2008 and is just available for member from economy, financials and government. You have to be invited to this club. It has more than 1250 member at the moment. Besides many international personages one of the last speakers was Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi, minister for foreign trade and member of the club management at the same time. At the Lunch Forum on the 25 May 2009 Dr. Oman Bin Sulaimann (photo), governor of the DIFC showed the fiscal and political activities of the government of the UAE and Dubai which are supposed to guide out of the financial crisis. "We are sure of having the financial and economical infrastructure to guide Dubai out of the crisis and Dubai will stronger than ever before. We have to count on the commitment of the entrepreneurs of the private industry". Internet: www.capitalclubdubai.com (bs)

UAE: Hotel show in Dubai

The latest figures of the hotel sector were announced on the opening day of the hotel show in Dubai, which was opened by sultan bin Sulayem, chairman at DP World (picture left), and is still running until 26 May 2009 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. According to this announcement 306 new hotels with 108,600 rooms are building at the moment within the six states of the GCA (Saudi Arab, Oman, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain). This equates to a total sum of investments of $ 140 billion. An analogical research of the in Dubai located company Proleads Research House acts on the assumption that the hotel load factor will reach again the level of 2008 at the end of 2010. The big-time growth is expected for 2013. www.thehotelshow.com (bs)

Oman: Six Senses Spa at the Al Bustan Palace in Muscat

The partnership is a done deal: Six Senses Spa signed in a contract for a world-class spa at the Al Bustan Palace InterContinental Muscat from the middle of 2011. This renowned hotel project is supposed to be another mark of quality in Oman. Located between the Hajar Mountains and the luxury park of the five star hotel, the spa offers a great view over the sea and the mountains. The design of the spa is a result of the collective creative work of Six Senses, P49 Design from Bangkok and Architects Febraur. It opens new dimensions and is inspired by Omani and Islamic architecture. The spa fits harmonious into the concept of the Al Bustan Palace InterContinental Muscat.

UAE: No commiseration at the 2010 planned GCC currency union

The UAE which is one of the founding states was strongly integrated to the issues of the GCC even though not one single official institution is located within the UAE yet. When it comes up to question of the currency union there was the thought that the central bank would be based in Abu Dhabi, but when Riyadh made an equal demand the UAE were displeased. The governor of the UAE central bank, sultan Nasser Al Suwaidi is talking about to adhere to the previous monetary policy and to connect furthermore the exchange rate of the Emirate currency Dirham to the US Dollar (Source: Emirates News Agency). (bs)

UAE: Emirates group stays profitable during crisis

With their positive balance of accounts the Emirates Group take countermeasures against the airline and travel industry: For the 21 time in a row the business year which is closed on the 31 March each year, ended with a net gain. Within the report period 2008-2009 a total sum of $ 406 million was gained. This is a decrease of 72 percent in comparison to the record result of $ 1.45 billion the previous year. The amount makes the impact of the record cost level for kerosene within the first six months and the worldwide downturn clear. The turnover of $ 12.6 billion which is 10 percent growth in comparison with the previous year ($ 11.4 billion), shows the continuous growth of the Emirates Group at the same time.

UAE: KALIMA of Abu Dhabi gives 10,000 books away

During the international book fair Abu Dhabi which took place in March 2009 it was announced and now it came true: on initiative of the authority of culture and with the support of the crown prince of Abu Dhabi pupils of the Emirate Abu Dhabi will know the promise of child literature. Books from different countries were translated into Arab within the KALIMA project. These books were chosen by the authority for culture according to certain categories: they should extend the imagination of the youngsters as well as appreciation and openness for other cultures. The books just arrived in time before the summer holidays. The pupils proudly posture with their in cloth bags wrapped books for the media, who accompany this action (photo). German literature is represented by a title of Doris Dörrie. (bs)

Kuwait: Women were elected within the parliament for the first time

In Kuwait women have the active and passive elective franchise since 2005. At the parliament's election on the 16.5.2009 four women made into the parliament for the first time ever: Dr. Rola Dashiti (photo) - feminist and chairman of the Kuwait Economic Society, Massouma Al Mubarak - former health minister, Asil Al Awwadi - political scientist and Salwa Al Dschassar - professor. Other election results: the fundamentalists lost ground. This election was the second during this year. By reason of conflicts between the parliament and the government the emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmed Al Sabah resolved the House of Representatives in March 2009. (bs)

UAE: Celebrations for the 100th anniversary of Sheikh Zayed I's death

The authority for culture of Abu Dhabi (ADACH) organised events for the honor of Sheikh Zayed I whose 100th anniversary of his death is on the 19 May 2009. The ceremonies are taking place in the Al Jahili Fort of Al Ain, which was renovate recently and was build by Sheikh Zayed I. Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa Al Nahyan is also well known as Sheikh Zayed the Great or Sheikh Zayed the First. Since the beginning of May different celebrations are taking place where above all young people familiarize with life and works of the grandfather of the founder of the state of the United Arab Emirates. An exhibition with a documentation as well as several other ceremonies are planned for the next weeks and months. ?The surviving of the heritage of our ancestors is in the hands of the generations and we put ourselves out for working off all aspects of our identity for the current and the following generations?, said Mohammed Khalaf Al Mazrouei, director of ADACH (photo). (bs)

UAE: Abu Dhabi at the Hanover Fair

Abu Dhabi has appeared together with the Chamber of Commerce, ZonesCorp, Abu Dhabi Airports Company, which presented a model of their planned Business Parks at the new international airport, the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, the Department of Economic Development (DED) and several more facilities in hall 11 pavillon B. The Abu Dhabi Economic Forum on 21.04.09 which was organized by the Arab-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry e. V., the Lower Saxon Ministery for Economy, Labour and Transport, the IHK Hanover, the Emirate embassy and the DED, was very well visited. Beside prime minister Wulff, Dr. Thomas Bach, Dr. Phillipp Rösler, the Emirates ambassador Al Mahmood and Omar Abdullah, the Undersecretary of the DED made speeches focussing on the mastery of the financial crisis. Abu Dhabi asked German entrepreneurs to invest into future projects of Abu Dhabi which emerge from "Vision 2030". Even small and medium-sized companies felt spoken to. (bs)

UAE: Abu Dhabi leading in the real estate sector

The in April 2009 released report "Focus on Abu Dhabi" sees Abu Dhabi in the first position within the Gulf States focussing on the addiction of investors, figures of direct foreign investments and opinions of specialists. Abu Dhabi is seen as well positioned with regard to the financial crisis. As reasons the oil abundance and the huge demand of flats are mentioned. The figure of direct foreign investment projects doubled from January 2008 to January 2009. Additional to the promising developments in the estates sector the leading position of Abu Dhabi gets around to renewable energy. Another report which was released at Colliers International at the same time is focussing on the situation of the real estate market in all 6 Gulf States. (bs)

UAE: Capital City District announced in Abu Dhabi

The fair Cityscape Abu Dhabi - with more exhibitors and halls on the fairground than ever before - started with a bang. In attendance of crown prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan the model of the Capital City District was unveiled at the stand of Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council. A 4,900 ha new district for 370 000 habitants is planned, which is supposed to become the Governmental and Commercial centre of the Emirates. Government buildings, huge universities, hospitals, embassies and international institutions shall be accommodated here. The building of the city is going to be close to the International Airport of Abu Dhabi and Mohammed bin Zayed City. Wide boulevards are providing connection and of a modern public transport system was been thinking of. The start of construction will be 2012.

VAE: Sheikh Mohammed at Cityscape Abu Dhabi

The disposer of Dubai insisted to get a personal impression of the improvement of the multi billion projects in the Emirates. On the fair Cityscape in Abu Dhabi a center of attraction for investors, architects, designer, developer, government agencies and decision makers of the economy, he was especially interested in Mubadala, Abu dhabi Urban Planning Council, Al Ain Municipalirty, Al Maabar, Falcon City Dubailand, Capitaland, Al Qudra, Tamhouh, Reem, Aldar, Iskandar, Abu Dhabi Tourism Development and Investment Company, Dubai World Central, Al Markaz, Sorouh, ICT and Al Manazal. The photo shows him in front of a model of Falcon City Dubailand. (bs)

Bahrain: gulfBID fair

The leading fair for building and interior design takes place from 5 to 7 May 2009 in Bahrain. Despite the financial crisis the northern gulf states Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar are in good humour: The big projects are growing. 140 billion US Dollar as investment sum is estimated in theses four lands for 2009. In 2010 this sum shall raise up to 200 billion USD. For this reason good dealings are seen on this fair. Almost 200 international exhibitors are offering products and services with regard to architecture, construction and design. This fair is the only one which comprises building and interior design and promises contacts to consultants, contractors, engineers, architects, designers, developers, estate owner and -retailers. Infos: www.gulfbidexhibition.com (bs)

UAE: Al Gharbia Watersports Festival

The figure of new festivals in the Emirates does not stop. From 1. to 9. Mai 2009 the first "Al Gharbia Watersports Festival" takes place in Mirfa, about 120 kilometres western situated from Abu Dhabi City. The organisers are promising a wet and wild week. During the event competitions are available like: wakeboarden, beachvolleyball, beach soccer, kayaking as well as kitesurfing. Photographer can win a price for the best watersports' photo. Furthermore there are concerts, a huge display of fireworks, culinary viands and a traditional bazar. Infos: www.algharbiafestivals.com (bs)

UAE: First e-media conference with Sheikh Mohammed

After getting thousands of requests from the press especially with regard to the developments of Dubai with thinking of the global financial crisis Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the vice president and premier minister of UAE as well as the leader of Dubai, decided to communicate online on his website http://www.uaepm.ae with the press. Therewith he revolutionized the communication between the press and the government according to his reputation as "e-Sheikh" as many emirates do call him proudly since years. (bs)

UAE: Building of the first solar car

The first solar car was introduced on 16. April 2009 in Sharjah. In cooperation between Siemens LLC and AUS - American University of Sharjah (picture) - eight students from the AUS College of Engineering built the first solar car "Siemens Sunchaser" of the region. The car has 1.5 horsepower and can drive with a degree of speed of 100 km per hour. It gets his energy from 740 on the car installed solar cells. The car remains at the campus of the university to give other students the advantage to improve it and allowing a possible later serial production.

Etihad allocated with the Skytrax "Best Business Class" Award

The leading airlines from over 160 airlines worldwide were in the beginning of April established in 26 award categories in Hambourg. Etihad was allowed to receive 2 honors: "Best Business Class" as well as "Best Business Class Catering". Edward Plaisted, chief executive at Skytrax knows about the high prestige of these honors. "It is a remarkable achievement for Etihad to receive such a honor five years after founding. The "Best Business Class" award is one of the most desirable for the worldwide leading airlines and is the reason for huge competition among each other. This commendation makes the exceptional engagement in the continuous improvement of Etihad's customer care." Decisive for the latest award is the sustainable quality awareness is the opinion of Peter Baumgartner, Chief Commercial Officer at Etihad. "We invested specific in the development and optimization of our Pearl Business Class in the last year.. It is important to us to satisfy our customers' high standards, on the ground and in the air. Therefore we are especially proud of the "Best Business Class"-Skytrax Award. It comes directly from our target group - our customers.

UAE: WOMAD in Abu Dhabi

The season for interesting music festivals of miscellaneous kind is still running. The 5. Dubai International Peace Music Festival with young musicians from 25 countries (5. - 7.4.09) which was sponsored by princess Haya (wife of Sheikh Mohammed) and organized by the cultural department of Dubai is drawing to an end. Also in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain the last concerts are played at the Abu Dhabi Music and Art Festival, while another festival is announced. From 23. - 25. April 2009 the World of Music Arts & Dance Festival is taking place at the Corniche in Abu Dhabi and in the Al Jahili Fort in Al Ain. This world famous festival was established 1980 by Peter Gabriel and since then over 160 times in 27 countries realized - for the first time now in the Middle East. The initiator is the cultural department of Abu Dhabi. 23 well-known artists from five continents - among them Youssou N'Dour - come together for three days to celebrate in "harmony and fun". Free Entry. Info: www.womadabudhabi.ae (bs)

UAE: "Historical" Dubai in photos of Eve Arnold

Since the 16. March 2009 until April (daily open from 19 to 21 o'clock) in the Empty Quarter Fine Art Photography Gallery in the Dubai Financial Centre a exhibition with photos from the emirate Dubai from Eve Arnold is in force. The photographies show Dubai in the time between 1968 to 1971 thus the time of the "Trucial States" before the founding of the United Arabian Emirates. Even wedding pictures of the family Al Maktoum and photos of the young Sheikh Mohammed (picture) can be seen. The exhibition is under the patronage of Sheikha Hind, wife of the leader of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Eve Arnold is a famous, american photographer, who makes a name of herself with photographies of famous personalities. Their photos from the actress Marilyn Monroe and the American First Ladies are legendary. Even Queen Elisabeth II had herself's photo taken by Eve Arnold. Her photos with motives of the Middle East are international less famous even if their workings are regularly been seen in major museums of the world.

UAE: German literature in Abu Dhabi's KALIMA project

KALIMA is a literature translations program with vast extent which was initialized by the cultural department of Abu Dhabi. After the successful conclusion of international translation projects they addict now to Arabian translations of German literature. On the 10 March 2009 a contract was signed in the Sheikh Zayed Grand mosque in Abu Dhabi where prime minister Kurt Beck was to attend it. Kurt Beck visited with his business delegation the Emirates and in Abu Dhabi where they met as well the minister for foreign trade, Sheikha Lubna. The signatures were made by Dr. Ali Bin Tamim, director of KALIMA and professor Georg Krausch, president of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz which was founded in 1477. "Within the new project selected titles of German poetries and proses will be translated." Dr. Bin Tamim said. "In the first cooperation stage 30 titles are involved, which are separated by strict criteria." The cooperation includes further a special literature and translation workshop which responsibility is at the German Academy for Language and Poetry. The direct contact will be kept up by the Faculty for Applied Linguistics and Cultural Studies in at the university of Mainz, which enjoys a good reputation in the field of academical translations. Thereby Abu Dhabi follows Dubai which started already with a huge translation program called the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Charity in the field of German translations.

Qatar Airways with sales office in Munich

Qatar Airways has now a sales and service office in Munich. Within a opening celebration Akbar Al Baker, CEO of Qatar Airways gave the rooms over to the customers of the airline. "Qatar Airways belongs to the exclusive circle of 5 stars airlines in the world. It is one of our premium aspirations to be present in a centrally located and attractive designed office here in the city of Munich for all customers and business partners." In the new office of the airline, which daily connects Munich to more than 80 destinations worldwide via their hub Doha, the departments reservation and ticketing, leisure- and corporate sales and sales support accommodated. For their new present in Southern Germany the airline raised their figure of employees and provided five additional jobs.

UAE: It's time for art from the Emirates

It is unusual for the Emirates to have so many art events at the same time. In the Gallery No. 1 of the hotel Emirates Palace an exhibition called "Emirati Expressions" with focus on contemporary artists which runs since January until 16 April 2009. Critical Voices say that this exhibition is more oriented at a wish to hold on the current art scene and to show that the Emirates do have a mass of art. Consequently the quality of the art works are very different. (Photo: Emirate Artist Abdulqder Al Rais with painting). From 19.-21. March 2009 the "Art Dubai" (www.artdubai.ae) will take place in Dubai with a huge framework programme to which appertains the "Bastakiya art fair" (15.-22.3.2009). At the Bastakiya Art Fair almost every art gallery of Dubai takes part in, of which many represent artists from the GCC states. You can be curious what will be imperative this year after an uneven beginning in the last year. Also Sharjah can afford many things in the matter of arts: on 19 March 2009 (until 19 June 2009) the 9 Biennial of Sharjah (www.sharjahbiennial.org) will be opened. Since the founding of this Biennial developed professional because of experienced curators and keep pace with the rest of the worldwide biennial. Even here emirates artists want to compete with the rest of the world.

UAE: Joint Venture of Etihad Airways and Amadeus IT

Etihad Airways and Amadeus IT GmbH have already founded the facility Amadeus Gulf at the end of the last year. The joint venture company allocates tour operators and travel agencies in the United Arabian Emirates, Bahrain and Oman the IT for a global reservation system. For employees of travel agencies the Amadeus reservation system offers access to the whole flight plan of Etihad. Amadeus Gulf offers furthermore information about 740 other airlines, 80,000 hotels, 17 shipping companies, 22 rental car companies, 190 tour operators and 87 travelling insurance companies worldwide. "The beginning of Amadeus Gulf represents Etihad's growing ambitions in the tourism industry. Our aim is to implement technology which simplifies the daily business of a tour operator or travel agency and will at once offer more travel options to our customers." said James Hogan, CEO of Etihad Airways (picture).

UAE: Hotel investment conference in Dubai

From 2 until 4 May 2009 the 5th Arabian Hotel Investment Conference (AHIC) will take place in the Madinat Jumeirah Convention Centre in Dubai. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum (photo) will be the patron of the AHIC. A summoning of over 100 prominent speaker want to find strategies to revive and redefining the "Brand Arabia" to attract once again foreign investors. They want to be competitive. The sector has to keep together and force through radical measures to ensure growth. It is a lot expected of the currency union which is coming to be with the GCC states in 2010 - expression of concentrated actions of the GCC states, to diversify their economies and emerging new markets. Major importance will be adjudged to strengthened marketing on foreign events. Within the conference there will be a half day summit with focus on Saudi Arabia. Information on: www.arabianconference.com (bs).

Bollywood at the Düsseldorf International Airport

Emirates airline domiciled in Dubai strengthened this spring its outdoor advertising with a creative installation. With an ambassador taxi an the Düsseldorf International Airport they whet the appetite for the Indian subcontinent. Emirates is one of the leading airlines who approach from Germany to India. They daily head for 10 destinations to Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kochin, Kolkata, Mumbai, Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode.

UAE: New tourism campaign for Dubai

With an cost of about 10 million Euro Dubai does a three-monthly advertising campaign (March to May 2009) for tourists. Therefore altogether 2,000 employees of travel agencies from all over the world will be invited for 3 days to Dubai. During this time they are supposed to meet Arabian hospitality, spectacular landscapes and world class amusement. Besides desert safaris and luxury menu a walk through the traditional Bastakiya quarter which is mostly known from events in the areas of art, culture and cultural heritage, is on the program mentioned. "A visit in Dubai is always different because the city offers constantly new entertainment and relaxation facilities. We want to stay in touch with the travel agency employees to ensure that they can convey the latest attractions to their customers." said Mohammed Khamis bin Hareb, Executive Director Marketing and Operations from the Department of Tourism, Trade and Marketing (DTCM) in Dubai. On the International Tourism Bourse (ITB) from 11. - 15. March 2009 Dubai will campaign for itself as well as the other Emirates and the GCC states. A visit pays off: within a short period of time you can inform yourself comprehensively about your dream destination.

UAE: New investment department in Sharjah

Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi (photo), the leader of the Emirate Sharjah created a new department: the Sharjah Authority for Investment and Development, called "Shurooq". This institution will be equipped with all purses they need to run a successful business. Head office is in Sharjah City, but there is the possibility to arrange branches in other Emirates and countries. The aim of this department is to help to improve economical diversification and social developments on the basis of Islamic values and traditions. For that purpose the department will specifically elate foreign investors to expedite projects of the infrastructure in different areas like tourism and cultural heritage. (bs)

UAE: Picasso and Chagall in Dubai

Who stays during the 13 March and 2 April 2009 in Dubai and is interested in the works of Pablo Picasso or Marc Chagall (photo painting) should not miss to visit the recently opened Opera Gallery in the Gate Village (Building 3) of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). There are the works exposed. The exhibition stands under the patronage of the cultural minister Abdul Rahman Bin Mohammed Al Owais. During this opportunity you should not miss the neighbouring galleries as well as the exposition centre in the DIFC too. (bs)

UAE: Arabian horses show in Dubai

This annual show takes for the sixth time place in the Dubai World Trade Center. It is meant to be the greatest and most important of the region and stands under patronage of Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid al Maktoum (photo). Friends of the pure Arabian horse come here from the 19. - 21 March 2009 at your costs and the entry for guests is free. Information: www.diahc.ae (bs)

UAE: Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Festival

For the sixth time this festival will take place under the patronage of the crown prince from Abu Dhabi from the 21.3 until 2.4.09 in the Emirates Palace Hotel. Another Highlight in the sophisticated cultural program of Abu Dhabi. From year to year the artists were more prominent - obliged to the active assignment of the festival's initiator Hoda Al Khamis-Kanoo, founder of the Abu Dhabi Music & Art Foundation (ADMAF) established in 1991. This year appearances are i. e. Angela Gheorghiu, Jonas Kaufmann and Andrea Bocelli. Besides educational events there is a art exhibition as well. "Education is the key to our future and art is an essential part of this lifelong aspiration. The Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Festival is a cultural beacon fire in the Emirates and a garnet therefore to establish Abu Dhabi further on as an international aspiration." Hoda Kanoo (photo) said, who was distinguished often in many international levels. Information and details on the program: www.admafestival.com (bs)

UAE: The Palladium Dubai

Dubai gets a new temple of entertainment in March 2009 for $ 68 million. It is supposed to be the home of international events of all kinds. The initiator of the project, entertainment and media entrepreneur Raymond Gasper, has the idea that this multiple use complex which is located in Dubai Media City will have a huge stage and most modern techniques to perform everything: from theatre to musicals up to rock shows and classic concert. Also exhibitions, sport festivals, weddings, banquets, conferences and seminars are going to occur in this building. The big auditorium has 3 000 seats available. Broadway and West End London plays are planned as well as circus and ballet performances. Such a building is unique in the Middle East and North Africa and it aims the ambitious goal to be a model of a whole new generation of staging and exhibitions worldwide. From 15 - 17 March 2009 the Dubai International Advertising Festival (www.dubailynx.com) will take place here. (bs)

UAE: Cityscape 2009 in Abu Dhabi

From 19 - 22 April 2009 the world's largest international real estate fair takes place in the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. According to Jones Lang LaSalle, MENA investor sentiment survey, the real estate sector of the emirate Abu Dhabi is the sector with the most growth within the following 1-2 years of the GCC states. Sponsors of Cityscape are the largest entrepreneurs of the sector from regions like Mubadala, Aldar, Soroh, Al Qudra and so on who impress visitors with their models of new skyscrapers and new cities (Photo: Model of Lulu Island in front of Abu Dhabi City). In 2008 Cityscape Abu Dhabi was visited by nearly 50 000 qualified visitors from 107 countries. The fair is known to be as an excellent possibility to sound out the best investments. www.cityscapeabudhabi.com (bs)

UAE: Sharjah Biennial 2009

The ninth Sharjah Biennial takes place from 19 March until 16 Mai 2009 at different places in Sharjah, in particular: Sharjah EXPO, art museum, Heritage Area and the American University Sharjah. It is organised by the Department of Culture and Information, stands under the patronage of Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, leader of Sharjah (photo). Director Sheika Hoor al Qasimi is glad about the new curators Isabel Carlos and Tarek Abou El Fetouh, who are working under the direction of the artistic director Jack Persekian. The Sharjah Biennial has existed since 1993 and belongs to the established and most famous cultural events of the Middle East. It has advanced continuously since its beginning. The special about this Biennale: For the first time 50 artists from all over the world are allowed to take part when their works fit into the themes "Arrangements for the future" and "Past of the Coming days". The opening was deliberately at the same time as the Art Dubai (19 - 21 March 2009) to show the diversity of the cultural projects of the regions to international visitors of both events. www.sharjahbiennial.org (bs)

UAE: Mangroves on the isle Bani Yas

Since the opening of the isle for tourists in October 2008 over 1 500 visitors have entered. Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC) which is responsible for the development of the isle wants to arrange that one mangrove for each visitor is planted. That is very popular with the tourists who are animated by this action to be more interested in the ecosystem of the isle. "Mangroves are very important for a balanced ecosystem in the air and in the water. They are home and food source for many fish species, crustaceans and birds" Nasser Al Shaiba, director of the environment department of TDIC, said. (bs)

UAE: First Gulf Bike Expo Festival in Dubai

This motorbike festival takes place from 19 - 21 March 2009 in the Dubai Festival City. Target of the organizer, MECOM Forums (Middle East Communications & Forums) is to accomplish the major international brands. MECOM Forums is renowned for B2B exhibitions. There is talk of the "biker's heaven" because not only Harley Davidson, BMW, Kawasaki cycles are exposed but also accessories which bike do need - beginning with the helm until a leather suit. Opening hours: Thursday and Friday from 12h - 21h and on Saturday from 12h - 19h. www.gulfbikeexpo.com (bs)

UAE: Abu Dhabi International Book Fair

From the 17 - 22 March 2009 the book fair themed "Tomorrows Markets Today" takes place on the fair grounds. It is sponsored by the crown prince and organized by "Kitab" a joint venture company between the Cultural Department (ADACH) and the Frankfurt Book Fair. The chief executive officer of ADACH drums up the business: "This book fair is the nineteenth annual one, growing most rapid in the Middle East and will overshadow everything previous with regard to international publishing houses, bookstores, qualified visitors and intellectuals as well as the cultural framework programme and the accompanying events". - "We expect international authors, the first exhibition of antiquarian and rare books from all over the world in many languages and we are organising a education conference against the backdrop of the dynamic raising school book sector." Said fair director Jumaa Al Qubaisi (photo). (bs)

UAE: New art galleries opened in Abu Dhabi

While the number of art galleries in Dubai already exceeded the 100 it goes slower ahead in Abu Dhabi. But now the Ghaf Gallery being the only active art gallery outside the Emirates Palace Hotel where exhibitions take place, gets competition. Salwa Zeidan, a Lebanese artist and gallery owner, attempting already 15 years ago to animate the art scene in Abu Dhabi - this project was so unsuccessful that she had to close down the gallery. She was long ahead of her time. Now she came back into a neighbourhood which is interested more and more in art. Regular exhibitions make it well worth seeing. The focus lies on works of Emirate's artists. The gallery is located in Khalidiya within a villa with marmoreal floor. Address: Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street (30th Street), Villa 256, 2. floor, Tel. 02 6669656, opening hours: Sunday to Thursday 10:00 to 20:00 and Sunday 15:00 to 20:00. (bs)

UAE: Dubai International Poetry Festival

The festival takes place from the 4 until 10 March 2009. It is an initiative of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum foundation and it was announced by Sheikh Mohammed in person. 100 poets from 45 nations are expected. The opening ceremony is followed by readings, discussions, theme nights and many more cultural activities in the Madinat House of Poetry in Shindagha, Madinat Jumeirah Theatre, World Trade Center and in several universities of the country. Also in the shopping malls poets are going to be expected. The language as an obstacle is cleared out of the way by translators. Wolfgang Kubin and Joachim Sartorius from Germany are expected to come. CEO of the festival is Ali Al Shaali (photo left) simultaneous director of the section publishing within the foundation Information and Program: www.dipf.ae (bs)

UAE: Abu Dhabi Economic Forum

The forum ADEF 2009 is awaited with bated breath. It takes place from 2 until 3 March 2009 in the Hotel Emirates Palace (photo). Organizer is the Al-Iktissad Wal-Aamal Group in cooperation with the Chamber of Commerce of Abu Dhabi. 800 participants from 25 countries are expected: ministers, high levelled government representatives, banker and entrepreneur. Themes: The new finance system and investment environment after the crisis, new principles of the real estate sector in Abu Dhabi and a lot more. Patronage of the forum is crown prince of Abu Dhabi. www.iktissad.com (bs)

UAE: Sensation at the Million's Poet Show

Until the midmonth of March the annual, popular TV show, initiated from the cultural department of Abu Dhabi, taking place every Thursday evening at 22:30 or with free entry live in the Al Raha Beach Theatre. 48 poets from the Arabian world are fighting for the first price which is endowed with $ 1.3 million. From the altogether 3 women who took part 2 were already eliminated (from Jordan). For the first time ever a Saudi female poet made her way through the third round, although she stands under massive pressure of her family and her tribe - who wanted to stop her participation because of her gender. At least her husband keeps his fingers crossed for her. Aydah Al Aarawi Al Jahani (photo) is proud of her achievement and says: "I'm only scared of losing". Nashwa Al Ruwaini, who produces the show and belonging to the most famous televisual personalities in the Middle East, thinks: "Aydah is a good example to show women in their regions that they can conquer even the highest obstacles". (bs)

UAE: Successful World Future Energy Summit 2009

This summit which was drawn to a close on 21 January 2009 had his focus besides an exhibition on the fair grounds critical energy debates in line with top-class symposium and emphasized the struggle Abu Dhabi's becoming a global ideal for renewable energy owing to its Masdar initiative. The government of Abu Dhabi committed to provide a 7 % part within the energy consumption of the Emirates until 2020. On the occasion of the summit the first "Ecomagination Centre" of the world was promised in Masdar City. Its business is to support the development of energy efficient products of the region. The management of Masdar signed cooperation contracts with General Electric and the Massachussetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Boston. The crown prince congratulated the winners of the "Zayed Future Energy Prize" (photo from WAM) endowed with $ 1.5 million. Tony Blair referred as closing speaker to the summit as a "remarkable and greatly event". www.worldfutureenergysummit.com (bs)

UAE: Opening of the Burj Dubai on 9 September 2009

According to Emirates Business 24 the 9 September 2009 may be the day of the "soft opening" for the Burj Dubai - synchronized with the opening of the first metro line. September 2004 the build-up of the Burj Dubai started being the highest skyscraper in the world. The viewing platform for visitors is located in the 124 floor.

New DTA between Germany and UAE

Germany and the United Arabian Emirates agreed on a new double tax agreement (DTA). In the new DTA the interstate exchange of information is modulated to the new OECD standard. In addition an extensive information exchange was agreed. The collection at source of dividends, interests and earned income as well as the special clause against a treaty abuse stay the same basically. On pensions and licence fees a withholding tax is imposed. Germany can avoid this withholding tax in future only by the accounting method and to stay abreast of calculation that basically no taxes are levied in the United Arabian Emirates. Both sides agreed signing the DTA quickly. According to the Federal Ministry of Finance it is reactive enforced on the 1 January 2009.

UAE: Gourmet festival in Abu Dhabi

The latest invention in the matter of annual festivals is this culinary event taking place in the time between the 5 and 14 February 2009 in different restaurants. International top chefs, excellent wine grower, caterer, specialists in this sector as well as visitors from all over the world are expected to come. Up on the agenda are as well cookery courses, a "gastronomical discovery of Middle East cooking", a formal dinner, a royal lunch and the concession of the "Abu Dhabi Gourmet Stars". "This is the ideal addition to Abu Dhabi's growing portfolio of international events and will enrich the life of the visitors as well as the habitants of the Emirate - the natives and expatriates", said Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman of the tourism department, which initiated the festival. Tickets from EUR 90 up can be booked via www.boxofficeme.com. More details on www.gourmetabudhabi.ae (bs)

UAE: World Future Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi

From the 19 until 21 January 2009 the worldwide energy prominence meets at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. This meeting is presented by Masdar (photo) and is under the patronage of the crown prince of Abu Dhabi. The Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel will be represented by Sigmar Gabriel the environment secretary. Several other environment and energy secretaries are expected in the capital of the Emirates. The 15 000 awaited attendees are looking forward to hear over 100 speeches in the sectors economy, trade, financial, technologies - concerning renewable energies - from 24 countries. The organizer Turret Middle East talks about "Davos" as the prospective energy solution. More than 300 international technological companies from 27 countries are representing themselves on the accompanying exhibition. Abu Dhabi can sparkle on it with its Masdar initiative - a new city project which manages on renewable energies. www.worldfutureenergysummit.com (bs)

UAE: Art Antique Design Dubai

This fair takes place during the 18 until 22 February 2009 at Madinat Jumeirah, Madinat Arena. Fans of antique art get their money's worth. Once again the prestigious London's gallery Mathaf Gallery will take centre stage with a selected range of oriental painting of the 19th century (photo). Even contemporary oriental painting will be presented. The annual fair takes place the second time ever and stands under the patronage of the culture secretary Abdul Rahman Mohammad Al-Owais. Information: www.mathafgallery.com and www.haughton.com (bs)

UAE: Cuadro Gallery in the DIFC

This has never happened before in the Emirates: Contemporary artists reinvent the realism of painting and put a new complexion on the Old Masters with the slogan: "Realism redefined". The Cuadro Fine Art Gallery (photo) opened at the end of 2008 and located in the Gate Village of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) causes sensation with this slogan. The exhibition is running until 31 March 2009 standing under the patronage of Dr. Omar Bin Sulaiman, governor of the DIFC and managing director of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority. www.cuadroart.com (bs)

UAE: Dubai Shopping Festival

It comes to the point again from the 15 January until the 15 February 2009 - at this time Dubai is within a state of emergency as usual. Bargain hunter are excited about discounts of about 20 to 70 percent which are to find from the Souks and shopping malls in the Dubai City Centre (photo) right up to the Mall of the Emirates. That alone seems to be usual corresponding to the seasonal clearance sales at home in comparable amounts. Many visitors are attracted by the extensive supporting programme. Fans of fireworks, lotteries of gold bars and luxury cars as well as designer fashion shows are getting their money worth. You have a choice between 1 200 shops alone in the new Dubai Mall, the world's biggest shopping centre. But you need patience and time because of the traffic which is more hectically at this time in Dubai. (bs)

UAE: Abu Dhabi "Emirati Expressions" art exhibition

This is something the domestic art scene and its sophisticates hungered desperate for: in the time between the 20.1 until the 16.4.2009 an extensive art exhibition of domestic artists takes place at the Gallery One in the Hotel Emirates Palace organized by TDIC (Tourism Development Investment Company). Admission is free. Specials: large variety of art movements from traditional to modern, all generations are represented. Paintings, calligraphy, photography, sculptures, graphic design, video art, short movies and installations are to be seen. Anne Baldassari, director of the Musée National Picasso in Paris is the curator and Abdulqader Al Rais being one of the populist artists of the land takes part, too. He is one of the autodidacts developing from traditional art to abstract painting (photo). The patronage of this event is under crown prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. www.artsabudhabi.com (bs)

UAE: New spa at the Dubai airport

With the opening of a "Timeless Spa" at the Dubai International Airport passengers are going refreshed on their trips from the Emirates Terminal 3. "Timeless Spa" is the exclusive spa brand of the airline Emirates and bases on the identically named spa concept of Luxus Hideways Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa which belongs to the Emirates Group. Besides the characteristically care and the first-class product choice of the timeless spa the airports offers customized treatments especially for travellers. The first and business class lounges of the Emirates offers passengers ten spa stations at a time. The airport hotel additional disposes upon 7 full equipped treatment rooms. The whole spa facilities at the Emirates terminal 3 are opened 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.

UAE: New fossil funds in the Emirate Abu Dhabi

The season for excavations 2008/2009 had afforded new fossil funds in the western region of the Emirate Abu Dhabi. A team of scientists form ADACH (Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage) and the Yale University found 6 - 8 million old fossils. At that time there were rivers in Abu Dhabi where hippos, crocodiles, turtles and fish did splash about in the water. Within the woods and savannas elephants, rhinos, giraffes, horses, antelopes and even the ostrich have been living here. The following finds are especially interesting and causing sensation within scientists' circles: a well preserved jawbone of an elephant (photo by Faysal Bibi), a jawbone of a primitive horse (hipparion) and a skeleton of a crocodile. As the western region of Abu Dhabi is one of the fastest developing areas it is very important to secure the finds. This area is regarded to be one of the best obtained find spots for fossils on the whole Arabian Peninsula.

On the 6 January live at DSF: HSV vs. AC Milan

On the 6 January the Hamburg sports club will meet the AC Milan within the Dubai Football-Challenge 2009. For the English superstar David Beckham (photo) it is the first play with his new teammates at the same time. Besides the spectators in the brand-new stadium "The Sevens" about 900 million TV viewers from over 131 countries are expected to look forward to this game in a class of its own. In Germany the game will be live on DSF.

UAE: The leader of Umm Al Quwain is dead

Sheikh Rashid bin Ahmed Al Mu'alla (photo: WAM) has ruled since 27 years the Emirate Umm Al Quwainn. He died on the 2 January 2009 while a visit in London. The president of the United Arabian Emirates, Sheikh Khalifa announced a 40 days state mourning. Sheikh Rashid born in 1932 has taken over the regency from his father Sheikh Ahmed II bin Rashid Al Mu'alla on the 21 February 1981. His successor will be the crown prince Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mu'alla up to now, born in 1952. He is the 11th regent of succession of the Al Mu'alla family, who is ruling this Emirate since the middle of the 18th century. Sheikh Saud, who made his university degree in economic sciences at the University of Cairo, has supported the economical development of Umm Al Quwainn since many years. (bs)

UAE: First World Pearl Forum in Dubai

This forum takes place from the 17 and 18 February in the Atlantis Hotel, The Palm and is standing under the patronage of princess Haya Bint Al Hussein (photo), wife of Dubai's leader, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al maktoum. The forum is organized by Dubai Pearl Exchange a subsidiary company of the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC). The aim is to leverage the global trade with pearls again. Dubai takes a centre stage with its historical status as a wheel of pearl trade. (bs)

Emirates carries on being the sponsor of HSV

The Emirates and the Hamburger SV start again together: The in Dubai domiciled international airline carries on being the main sponsor of the HSV. The agreement is valid for another three years, according to its majestic dignity Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of the Emirates Airline & Group as well as the executive chairman of the HSV Bernd Hoffmann at press conference in the head office of the Emirates in Dubai. The sponsorship package also gives the Emirates a presence on the premium on-cam rotating hoardings and the cam-carpets, along with branding of the players tunnel and an exclusive hospitality allotment. At the same time the Emirates are new partners of the sponsorship initiative "Der Hamburger Weg".

UAE: New weekly market in the Bastakia area

The new market is opened every Sunday from 10 o'clock until sunset. More than 50 stalls are presenting their goods. Henna painting, the Arabian coffee ceremony and tastes of domestic cuisine are available besides musical performances and other viewings. Project manager of the Dubai Event Management Corporation Mustafa Al Hashimi: "We want to have a share in reviving the historical Bastakia quarter and to turn it into an attractive place for artistic and cultural activities for both: locals and guests. Furthermore we want to show to our tourists the historical sight of Dubai and our wide cultural heritage apart of the modern hotel palaces. Another target is to encourage young Emirates bringing in their talents and ideas here." (bs)

Oman: New ferries and new road links

Two twin catamarans each with a length of 65 metres called Shinas (picture) and Hormuz are connecting the capital Muscat with Khasab on the Omani peninsula Musandam at the street of Hormuz since September 2008. The sleekly ships are currently the fastest diesel powered car ferries in the world. The drive takes 5 hours and 45 minutes and offers an interesting opportunity to the time-consuming country road with a two times border crossing because the UAE divides the peninsula from the land. Further a new road link had become a four-lane freeway alongside the east coast of Oman from Quiriyat to Sur. It has not only the purpose to release the truck traffic but as well to tie applicable regions better to the tourism. Especially the seaport Sur will benefit from this.

Dubai Hamburg Business Forum 2008

The Business Forum on the 18 and 19 December 2008 ended with success in the Chamber of Commerce. One highlight of many was the conclusion of an agreement of a strategic partnership between the Chamber of Commerce Hamburg and the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI). The Vice Chairman of DCCI, Hisham Abdullah Al Shirawi and the president of the Chamber of Commerce Hamburg, Frank Horch (picture) signed the agreement. An annual meeting of both Chambers rotational in Hamburg and Dubai, problem solution by arbitration and mediation, the student exchange between the University of Dubai and the Hamburg School of Business Administration as well as a strong presence on the "Arab Health" fairs is articled. (bs)

UAE: Opening tournament of the European Championship Tour in Abu Dhabi

It's the forth time for the opening tournament of the European Championship Tour to take place from the 15 until 18 January 2009 in the Abu Dhabi Golf Club. Top golfing players like titleholder Martin Kaymer, Paul Casey and Robert Allenby, as well as the number 2 and 5 of the worldwide ranking Sergio Garcia and Padraig Harrington are going to start with more than 100 challengers. The trophy money amounts to $ 2 million. Organizer of the tournament is the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, which wants to extend the golf tourism of the Emirate. It demands of the tournament to have a record participation from both: players and spectators. Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan (picture), chairman of the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority: "This championship is the centre of a long-ranged strategy for the golf tourism which is strengthening by the build of two new championship areas on Saadiyat Island." Infos: www.abudhabigolfchampionship.com (bs)

UAE: Dharfa Festival

Who stays during the holidays in the Emirates and is interested in the ambience of the desert is right at the annual Dharfa Festival: the worldwide biggest camel festival takes place the second time from the 23.12.2008 until the 1.1.2009 in Madinat Zayet, in the Emirate Abu Dhabi. The festival is organized by the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage and stands under the patronage of the crown prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The organizers are promising a celebration for the whole family and locals as well as visitors and tourists are welcome. Besides the camel market with 20 000 camels and the large cultural program, the greatest attraction will be a market, which is characterized by the traditions of the Emirates. It includes folklore of the Emirates and all traditional handcrafts whereby you can be sure that they are produced with natural products of the region.

UAE: German banks are getting involved with the art in Dubai

During the opening of a Bauhaus art exhibition (open until 11 January 2009) in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) in cooperation with the Authority of Culture of Dubai the founding of the Deutsche Bank Middle East Foundation was announced. Aim is the strengthening of social commitment. The exhibition with works from Wassily Kandinsky to Paul Klee to Lyonel Feininger out of the art selection of the Deutsche Bank is supposed to be the first step to become more involved socially in this region. For the first time the Deutsche Bank, which is attended with a subsidiary in the DIFC, presents a range of their art collection in the Middle East. Even the Dresdner Bank is engaged cultural. At the instance of the opening of their Private-Wealth-Management subsidiary in Dubai an exchange program was started for 2 artists from Germany and 2 artists from Dubai in common with the Authority of Culture Dubai, the city Frankfort and the University for Visual Arts Städelschule Frankfort. An extension on literature, music and dramatic arts is planned if it ends successfully. The commitment of the Dresdner Bank goes further with a corporation with the auction house Bonhams. (bs)

Qatar Airways: "World's Leading Business Class"

The winning streak of Qatar Airways continues: The five star airline achieved the price as the "World's Leading Business Class" of this year's World Travel Awards. This latest award is the tenth one for the company in 2008. In a worldwide survey of the World Travel Awards representatives of the travel and tourism industry voted Qatar Airways at first as the "Leading Business Class Airline" in the Near East. Afterwards the entire local winner in the sectors airlines, hotels, ocean carriers and other tourism companies beard international comparison in the great final - Qatar Airways received the price for the world's best Business Class. The World Travel Awards which are known as the "Oscars" of the travel industry honour top performance, user value, attendance for innovation and quality for the whole offer of the travel and tourism industry.

Qatar: Museum for Islamic art has opened

Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al Thani, the Emir of Qatar and his wife Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser Al Missned are going to open the museum on the 22 November 2008. Many chiefs of state, ministers and diplomats from all over the world are enjoying the view of the museums in front of the scenery of a successful fire works, poring through over 800 exhibits in a sensational presentation and were excited of the rich cultural framework programme of the opening ceremony which lasts four days. Even the famous architect of the architectonical master building: I. M. Pei with a big part of his family present and let himself celebrated. Since the 1 December 2008 the museum, which is the new tourist attraction of Qatar and was given credit for of the media, is open to the audience from all over the world.

UAE: MEMEX successful in Abu Dhabi

The by Engr. Jaber Hareb Al Khaili (picture), CEO of ZonesCorp, opened exhibition Middle East Manurfacturing Exhibition which took place from 23 - 25.11.2008 on the fair grounds ADNEC in Abu Dhabi for the second time, ended with big success. "We look positive into the future of manufacturing production. Within the industrial zone of ZonesCorp we have over 500 factories and the strong economy in the Emirates experiences an insistent demand", Al Khaili says. The annual fair is a platform for regional industrial companies, which met here with local, regional and international suppliers including numerous German companies. Infos: www.memexnews.com (bs)

UAE: Terminal 3 on the Abu Dhabi International Airport

On the 15 December the new Terminal 3 is activated by Etihad Airways. From this point in time selected flights start from this terminal. Passengers get further information on the facilities of this terminal and flights via internet: www.etihadairways.com/t3 (bs)

UAE: Sheikh Mohammed announces stability for investors

The global financial crisis occupies also in the Gulf States people and media. With regard to the investors in Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice president of the Emirate and leader of Dubai, pointed the financial strength and the growing economy out especially the services sector according to ENTERPRISE, voice of the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing in his expense of the last quarter 2008. From the government news agency it is to be heard that $ 32.7 billion flowed into the banking industry of the country during the last weeks. According to financial circles the guarantee for national and international bank assets is true for 3 years. Sheikh Mohammed said that neither the national economy nor the banking system is affected by the crisis. It is also being seen with the growing demand for real estate. And whoever comes to Dubai at the moment will see a busy activity in the building line. (bs)

UAE: Musical "Zayed and the Dream" in Abu Dhabi

Whoever lingers in Abu Dhabi at the national day 2 December 2008 was able to see the premiere of the first Musical of the Emirates. It was commissioned by the Authority for Culture and Heritage in Abu Dhabi and was composed by Maestro Abdel Halim Caracalla from the Caracalla Dance Theatre the musical was performed under the direction of his director Ivan Caracalla. It is about the popular founder of the state Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the "father of the nation", who united the Emirates in 1971 und and governed it until his death in 2004. The act is characterized by culture and history, from the cultural heritage of the Gulf States and the magic of the orient. Ivan Caracalla describes the musical as a work that is dedicated to beauty, creativity, love and peace. If the musical will experience further showings after its premiere is not known yet. (bs)

UAE: Many German exhibitors on the Big 5 in Dubai

It was the largest German delegation that had ever visited this most substantial building fair of the Middle East, which took place from 23 until 27 November 2008 in Dubai. Among the over 3000 exhibitors from 53 countries the German pavilion was one of the largest with 370 exhibitors. German companies are popular at the Gulf and are famous for their quality of products in the sectors air condition, cooling, ceramics at bath and sanitary facilities, building, cleaning, glass, metal, marble, engineering, water preparation and environmental engineering. The organizer were glad about more than 50,000 visitors who also visited the parallel fair which took place for the first time The Big 5 PMV (Plant, Machinery and Vehicles). The bilateral trade between Germany and the Emirates has exceeded the $ 10 million margin. Another increase of exhibitors and visitors is supposed for the next year. Info: www.thebig5exhibition.com (bs)

UAE: Fair INDEX was successful

The fair INDEX took place from the 3 until 7 December 2008 in Dubai, which was full of innovation and inspiration. It is the largest fair in its own way in the Middle East and Asia with nearly 1800 exhibitors from 60 countries. After the opening of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the crown prince of Dubai and chairman of Dubai Executive Council, professional visitors, purchaser, architects, interior designer are forging ahead into the halls of the Dubai International Exhibition and Convention Centre and got drunk from the latest ideas for the endowments of offices, hotels, private and official buildings. Everything was there, beginning with carpets, wallpapers, room textiles, window design, furniture, light ending at sensational art objects. The achievement of this fair is going to be carry forward in the next year. Info: www.indexexhibtion.com (BS)

UAE: Restaurant with foresight

Another highlight for the restaurant scene in Dubai: The new "The Observatory" in the 52 floor of the five star hotel "The Harbour Hotel & Residence" offers besides exquisite cuisine and extensive wine list an impressive 360° view over the Persian Gulf, the Dubai Marina and the artificial island The Palm Jumeirah. The Observatory is the new flagship restaurant of the in November 2007 opened and belonging to the premium hotel chain Emirates Hotels & Resorts city hotel at the entrance of the Dubai Marina.

UAE: Emirates is flying with an A380 to London

Debut at the Thames: For the first time an Emirates airbus A380 has landed at London Heathrow during liner service on the 2 December. Emirates serves daily the route Dubai - London with the Airbus A380. EK 001 starts at 7:45 (local time each) in Dubai and reaches Heathrow at 11:35. Among flight number EK002 the return flight starts at 13:45 and reaches Dubai at 0:30 at the following day. The Emirates A380 is equipped with 489 seats which mean a capacity expansion of 40 percent towards the Boeing 777 which is used as well on the route. Within the actual winter flight plan Emirates offer eight daily flights from Dubai to London, five of them to Heathrow, 3 to London-Gatwick.

UAE: Sylvester with Shakira in Abu Dhabi

Who tarries in Abu Dhabi during Sylvester and wants to see a Latino-Show is right at the Emirates Palace. Assumed he gets one of the 10,000 desired tickets. According to the organiser the Colombian pop singer Shakira (AP photo) with Lebanese roots brings along the right "Latino-Feeling" to eyes and ears. It is the second performance for the singer in the Emirates after her success in the Dubai Autodrome in front of 25,000 Fans in the last year. Another Sylvester highlight in the capital of the Emirate the Open Air Party in the Al Bateen Marina is aimed with international DJ's like Saeed Murad and Artful Dodger. (bs)

UAE: Media strategy for Arab women

The result of the conference of the Arab Women Organisation (AWO) which is noted by the public, on the 13.11.2008 in Abu Dhabi is the announcement of a media strategy, which was initiated by Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak (photo: WAM), widow of the founder of state Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and chairwoman of AWO, UAE General Women Union and Family Development Foundation. The strategy has the aim to strengthen the part of the media concerning women themes and the rights of women for equality as well as the intervention of a positive picture of Arab women and the parts which they have in their environment. Authors of the strategy are Arab experts on the sectors media and education. The instrument has to become effective between 2010 and 2015 and is focused on the sectors, politics, economy, community, culture, education, sports, health and environment. This campaign goes together with the statement of "Network for Arab Women in Diaspora (NAWD) - an internet portal with a data base of young, female talents of the region who stay in close contact with their home countries as well as a communication platform to exchange experiences and thoughts.

UAE: INDEX Dubai 2008

From the 3 until the 7 December 2008 the largest fair for interior architecture and design of the Middle East takes place in the Dubai International Exhibition Centre. At a specific stand young designer from the Emirates will present themselves and their interior design layouts which were awarded for a prize for the first time organized by the Al Habtoor Interiors' Young Designers. The stand is considered as a centre of attraction for many creative heads of universities who are encouraged to take the step into public with their layouts. The first three prizes went to teams from the universities American University of Sharjah, Ajman University and MAHE Manipal University. The layout of the first prize (photo) shows: soberness and objectivity is the slogan for the hotel room of the future. INDEX: organized by dmg World Media Dubai, 2000 exhibitors and 35 000 visitors are expected to come. Info: www.indexexhibition.com (bs)

UAE: Etihad awarded as "Airline of the Year"

The national airline of the United Arabian Emirates, Etihad Airways was awarded as the "Airline of the year" at the British Travel Awards 2008. The awards show took place on the 7 November 2008 in London. Etihad was awarded as a tribute to its growth, product and service innovations as well as their leading customer service. "The award as the airline of the year at the British Travel Awards is a great honour", delighted James Hogan, CEO of Etihad Airways. "Especially of the fact that we're just celebrating the fifth anniversary in 2008".

UAE: Big 5 in Dubai from the 23 until the 27 November 2008

This building fair belongs to the largest worldwide and takes place in the International Convention and Exhibition Centre. 3000 exhibitors and 50 000 visitors are expected. This year it is much influenced by environmentalism. In the forefront numerous companies and their employees (photo) have been awarded for special projects with Gaia prizes which will be presented during a show on the fair. On the 24 November practical examples of project studies are presented on a technique conference in the Monarch Hotel Dubai to local and international experts. These examples will include energy-saving building and eco-friendly technologies. This ensued consonant with the new regulations for eco-friendly building, which are claimed by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum himself against the backdrop of the global challenge for the environment. Parallel to the Big 5 exhibition the Big 5 PMV for building machinery and construction vehicles takes place. Info: www.thebig5exhibition.com (bs)

UAE: Tashkeel art centre in Dubai

Besides the 100 art galleries in Dubai where always new one's are added, the art centre Tashkeel (= variety) makes talking about itself which also presents the non construction noise and green side of Dubai. It was opened in Nad Al Sheba in January 2008. Founder and director is Sheikha Lateefa bint Maktoum. This artist's paradise is managed by the English woman Jill Hoyle. "Artists who live and work in Dubai, coming from all over the world, can exhibit their works here. We make materials and rooms available for them ", so Hoyle. "We also organize international artist exchange whereas in Germany we're working together with the Goethe-Institute. We bid for dialogue and education, in this context our workshops and current exhibitions are very well in demand. Until the end of November 2008 an exhibition is going on with works of Gita Meh, who shows among other things representative calligraphy sculptures. www.tashkeel.org (bs)

UAE: Six new art galleries in the DIFC

Until the national day on the 2.12.2008 six new art galleries will open in the Dubai International Financial Centre Gate Village - by Sheikh Majed Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, chairman of the department of culture in the presence of Dr. Omar bin Sulaiman, governor of DIFC and managing director of the department of culture (photo). The first three galleries Art Space (www.artspace-dubai.com), Cuadro Museum and Fine Art Gallery, the largest one (www.cuadroart.com) and Opera Gallery are already opened since beginning of November 2008. Art Space represents among other artists the famous Qatar painter Yousef Ahmed, director of the new Arab Art Museums in Doha. His pictures connect impressions of the desert with calligraphic elements, often with Mixed Media Technique. Cuadro employed for its design of the exhibition rooms with six gallery units over 2 levels nameable architects and designer. Owner Bashar Al Shroogi originates from Bahrain and wants to offer besides exhibitions a program for art education with nameable referents. For the Opera Gallery it is the tenth opening of their art galleries in Far East, Europe and USA (www.operagallery.com) - Therewith the gallery scene in Dubai gains more attractive targets for people who are interested in arts. (bs)

UAE: Abu Dhabi is entertainer for AWO conference

The second conference of the Arab Women' Organisation takes place from 11 to 13 November 2008 at the Emirates Palace. AWO is an inter-govern-organisation under the roof of the Arab league with place of residence in Cairo. Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, widow of the former president of the VAE Sheikh Zayed is the current president. The wives of Arab monarchs and heads of state are sharing in as well as delegates of all Arab states and international women's organization. It is expected of some First Ladies to take a trend-setting speech. Aim of the conference is to advance the situation of Arab women. Sheikha Fatima will characterize the situation in the Emirates which is sport on to: At least four female are a member of the cabinet, women are an important part of the legislature and executive of the government. 22 percent of the members of the National Federal Council (FNC) are female. 66 percent of all job in the government are done by women and 30 percent of that are in a leading position. Within the economy the success of women are even stronger: 12 000 women are member in the Business Women's Council, 11 000 of them are entrepreneurs. "Women have to come to stay in a global world and therefore they have to be active in education, economy, politics and community - consonant with our traditional values", as Prof. Dr. Amal Al Qubaissi (photo) says, since 2006 (first female) member of the FNC. The Emirates could present themselves as an exemplary function for the other Arab countries.

UAE: Dubai Mall opened on the 4 November 2008

Dubai's new mega mall, the world's largest shopping mall, is the new point of attraction for locals and visitors. It is located directly beside the under construction Burj Dubai the world's highest building at the moment. Therewith another highlight is ready in downtown Burj Dubai - besides other highlights like Arabesque Mall and Souk Al Bahar. The access road is affected over a bridge directly from the Sheikh Zayed Road. A special attraction at the Dubai Mall is the Dubai aquarium & discovery centre, a huge aquarium belonging to the world's largest with 50 m length, 17 m breadth and 11 m heights and accommodates 33,000 sea beings. Here you'll find the biggest accumulation of sharks, around 400, at which you can get close if you walk through the acrylic glass tunnel. Further the visitors can expect a covered ice rink of Olympic scale (Dubai Ice Rink), the world's biggest gold souk and hundreds of shops among them Bloomingdale's and Galeries Lafayette. Opening hours: 10-24 hours. 30 million visitors are expected in the first year. www.thedubaimall.com (bs)

UAE: ?Abu Dhabi Adventure Challenge? from the 12 ? 17.12.2008

This event is carried out the second time. The six-day race, which connects different sports with each other, will be challenged by mixed teams (this is a condition) each with four persons. The teams will pass the Emirate Abu Dhabi in front of scenery of mountains, deserts, oasis and clear waters. During this they?re challenging disciplines like offshore kayaking, orientation and adventure run, mountain biking, rappelling and inline skating. The prize money for the race is all in all $ 236,000. 26 teams took place in the challenge last year. A workmanship from New Zealand made the first place back then ? the best German team was on position 9. The registration fee amounts to ? 3,500 per team (incl. 3 overnights stay in a hotel). Info and registration: www.abudhabi-adventure.com (bs)

UAE: First accepted nature protection area

The nature protection area Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve was accepted as a member of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). In the middle of the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve is the prize-winning and to the Emirates Group belonging Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa located. The IUCN belongs worldwide to the authorized and powerful organisations for conservation and protection of threatened nature regions. The Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve is the first within the United Arabian Emirates awarding with that international authorized rank. Within a short time the nature protection area will be admitted into the World Database on Protected Areas (WDPA), a list of the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP). In this database are as well the nameable North American national parks like Yellowstone and Yosemite as well as the Australian Great Barrier Reef or the large African protection reservations.

UAE: Arab-German literature forum in Dubai

From the 26 ? 27 November 2008 the first forum like that will take place in Dubai, organized by the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum foundation. The forum is the first specific step thru literature to quicken the Arab-western cultural dialogue. The idea comes from Sheikh Mohammed at his first visit in Berlin on the 6.2.2008. Meanwhile the foundation had taken place with an own stand at the Frankfurter Book Fair (photo) which ended on the 19 October. Ali Al-Shaali, the headmaster of the publishing company of the foundation announced translations of 50 exclusive books of leading Arab intellects into different language, started with German. In the next three years 1000 bestsellers from the western world are going to be translated into Arabic. (bs)

UAE: Desert spectacle ?Jumana? optimized

The spectacular desert show ?Jumana ? Secret of the Desert? presents some improvements with the third play season. The overworked choreography appears closer to the audience and continues especially particular popular performances. The characters of the king, the two princes and the princess are worked out more clearly. The as well refashioned costumes reflect with their glory the dramatic characters of the show. The reckless and extravagant acrobatics as well as some new sensations extend the actual programme. Already in the beginning ?Jumana? presents magical illusions, while a fantastic fire works in established manner comes in last. On five evenings a week the Jebel Ali International Hotels are inviting for a spectacle which is not only well visited by hotel guests. ?Jumana? hijacks with legends of bygone days into the exotic charm of Arab culture and tradition. In 2006 an amphitheatre was built therefore at the edge of Dubai amidst the desert. With its 2,500 seats it is part of the desert resort ?Al Sahra? which is build at the moment. About one hour several international acts with perfect technique and a polished programme will perform for their visitors. The huge stage seems to float over the lake where the performances are reflected of. Beside the theatre Bedouin tents ask for a picnic before the show begins. Two restaurants and a barbecue area at the Souk arrange for culinary pleasure from the Arab cuisine.

Bahrain: King visits Berlin as a state visit

On the 28 October 2008 security level 1 controlled in Berlin the government district, Hotel Adlon and the red city hall. After talks with Chancellor Angela Merkel, who invited him, S. H. Sheikh Hamad Isa Al Khalifa, who visited Berlin for the first time, followed an invitation of governing mayor Klaus Wowereit (photo: ddp). While this stay in Berlin he visited the Red City Hall and signed into the Golden Book of the city. The king was especially interested in medicinal faculties. On the occasion of the royal visit an art exhibition takes place within the Art Center Berlin until 17 November 2008. Paintings of eight Bahraini artists are showed among them also works of Sheikh Rashid Al Khalifa, member of the royal family and president of the Bahraini art community. Information: www.art-center-berlin.de (bs)

UAE: Etihad further on in the ascendant

Etihad Airways still sets records with its passenger's figures. Within the first 9 months in 2008 more than 4.4 million passengers flew with the airline from Abu Dhabi. That is 35 percent more than the previous year at the same time. The national airline of the United Arab Emirates is well on the way to crossing their aim of 6 million transported passengers within 2008. Etihad writes even record figures according to the seat load factor: From January until end of September 2008 the seat load rests with 75 percent on average. The highest seat load Etihad had on the 1 August 2008: 20,721 passengers went by airplane with the Arab airline on that day. The average seat load of flights reaching Dublin, Brussels, Manchester and Paris got up to 80 percent in the Economy Class. The average seat load in the Business Class of Etihad rose up of 7 percentage points to 63 percent during the period of January until end of September 2008. The most successful routes were Toronto (85 percent), New York (81 percent) and London (79 percent).

UAE: New art gallery ARTSAWA in Dubai

On the 23 October 2008 the newest art gallery in Dubai opened. It is supposed to become the platform for artists of the Middle East, Northern Africa and neighbour states. The gallery stands under the patronage of the Department for Culture of Dubai. It is located in the industrial zone Al Quoz in a ware house, which was converted into an art gallery with library and video lounge. Sawa is the Arab word for "together". "We want to connect artists and people who are interested in art", Dr Lamis Hamdan Al Shamsi, executive board member of the Department for Culture said. About 15 innovative exhibitions are planned in a year which accompany with educational programmes and respective publications. Saeed Al Nabouda, chief project officer of the Department for Culture drafts the goal: Artsawa is supposed to become a hub of contemporary art. (bs)

UAE: Emirate flies even to Germany from Terminal 3

Emirate heralds the start of the third phase at the latest opened Emirates Terminal 3: from the 28 October 2008 Emirates dispatch their 22 European destinations from the new mega terminal at the Dubai International Airport. Altogether 168 daily Emirates flights start to Europe, Africa, Northern and Southern America, into the Gulf Cooperation Council member states as well as to the Middle East from this terminal. This conforms to 60 percent of the entire flights of Emirates. During the first twelve days after commissioning of the new terminal Emirates dispatched 356 takeoffs and 345 landings as well as 150,000 passengers. More than 2,500 passengers of Emirates used the all in all 60 check-in automates, more than 4,600 passengers did checking in online (www.emirates.com) for their Emirates departure of terminal 3. Within the coming fourth phase of the opening flights are following to the Indian subcontinent, to Far East as well as to Australia and New Zealand so that all 269 daily flights of Emirates are dispatched from terminal 3.

UAE: Cityscape was successful in Dubai

Apparently unimpressed of the global financial crisis the exhibitors and visitors acted on the Cityscape Dubai 2008, which is known as the biggest real estate fair worldwide and took place from 6 - 9 October at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre. The fair was opened by the crown prince of Dubai Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. All records were beaten with more than 70,000 visitors and 1,000 exhibitors from over 150 countries. The model makers still have an economic boom and meanwhile the estate models of whole wards reach the height of a family home. One of the most spectacular projects, which is hold in the architectures and designer heads is a square pyramid with a page length of 5 km and a heights of 1,500 m - a city for 1 million inhabitants and working with renewable energies. If Sheikh Mohammed, who made a surprise visit on the last day of the fair, was interested was not announced. Extremely long he stayed at the model of the new airport Dubai World Central (DWC) (photo). The next Cityscape within the Gulf States will be from 14 - 16 June 2009 in Jeddah. (bs)

Saudi-Arabia: Exhibition of Saudi artists in London

Among the slogan "Edge of Arabia" 17 contemporary artists from Riyadh, Jeddah, Mecca, Dhahran and Abha show their works during the 16.10 - 13.12.2008 in the English capital. Place of the exhibition: Brunei Gallery SOAS (metro Russel Square). The artworks are paintings and photos. The artist Dr. Ahmed Mater Al Ziad Aseeri who acts as curator at the same time impresses with his uncommon works which combine geometry, calligraphy and radiograms (photo). The curators Stephen Stapleton, Lulwah Al Homoud and Dr. Ahmed Mater are experts for Arab culture and art and they are advised by Venetia Porter (British Museum). Such an exhibition is the first of its kind in England (respectively Europe). Among the sponsors is besides nameable companies and foundations the international prestigious art magazine Canvas. The exhibition is funded among others by the Saudi Ministry for Culture and Information, the Saudi embassy in London, the British Council, the Arab/British Chamber of Commerce and the Saudi Al Saud foundation, of which president, princess Jawaher bint Majed bin Abdulaziz Al Saud commits the support of Saudi artists. Such an initiative is wished for Germany as well. Information: www.edgeofarabia.com or www.soas.ac.uk/gallery (bs)

UAE: Art Dubai and Sharjah Biennale 2009

The preparations for the two art-events are getting into top gear. For the first time both are synchronising that you can visit both during the 12 week of the year 2009. While the bi-yearly happening Biennale Sharjah is the ninth time in the upcoming year, it is just the third time for the annual Art Dubai. The international fair is presented from the 18 - 21 March 2009 with ambitious art galleries of the Middle East and Southern Asia and international prestigious galleries in the Madinat Arena of the Jumeirah Resort (photo). Along with the quality of the cultural projects of the Gulf States the relevance of the Art Dubai raises, too. The art interested person can "kill three birds with one stone" in the next spring because besides the events in Dubai and Sharjah a visit at the new Islamic museum in Doha/Qatar arises. Adequate art travel offers are in process at the moment. Adepts are excited for the Global Art Forum at the Art Dubai where leading art collectors, curators, authors and artists are appealing for discussions and debates. One highlight at the Art Dubai 2009 will be the Abraaj Capital art prize, the highest worldwide. The Art Dubai is a subsidiary company of the Dubai International Financial Center in cooperation with the company Abraaj Capital. Details about participating galleries, the art projects, events and the accompanying educational programme are to be found in due time at www.artdubai.ae. (bs)

UAE: Dubai Pearl Forum 2009

Mikimoto and Tiffany's won't miss it out: the first Dubai Pearl Forum, which takes place from 17 - 18 February 2009 at the Atlantis Hotel, Palm Jumeirah. "It is the first event of its kind worldwide and you couldn't find a better place, because Dubai looks back on a rich history of pearl fishery and was once one of the most important pearl centres within the Gulf States." Coinciding by Farid Mohammed Ahmed, secretary general of the Dubai World Board, Ahmed Bin Sulayem, executive chairmann of DMCC and Gaiti Rabbani, executive director of Coloured Stones and Pearls, DMCC (photo). The idea for this event was Dubai Pearl Exchange's a subsidiary of Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC). Goal is to accomplish the protagonists of the global pearl sector and to search for new ways to extend the global market for pearl jewellery. This initiative is sponsored by the Dubai World. (bs)

UAE: Early bookers' advantages at the Jebel Ali Resort

To plan and book a journey to Dubai early pays off at the Jebel Ali International Hotels. All early birds who decide until the 1 December 2008 for a stay receive the half-board at no charge at the five star hotel Palm Tree Court & Spa. The elegant resort belongs to "The Leading Hotels of the World"; the lowest room category is the Junior Suite. The offer is valid for bookings from five overnight stays in every season of the year 2009 and is bookable at the following operators: airtours, DerTour, ITS Reisen, EWTC, Odysseus Deluxe Travel and Thomas Cook. Another delicacy: Whoever books a stay before the 1 December 2008 at the Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa gets the full board at no charge. This offer is as well valid for five overnight stays at the minimum during the whole year and applicable to all room categories. The 260 room hotel is located at the pictorial sandy beach of the Persian Gulf and allotted over its own gulf course.

UAE: Musical in Abu Dhabi

The Authority of Culture in Abu Dhabi comes up with something new: From October 2008 weekly concerts are taken place in the cultural foundation under the slogan "Music of the world" with contemporary music of the international music scene. On the programme are for example the flamenco guitarist Diego Amador from Spain, the British saxophonist Denys Baptiste, the Irish music talent Ross Daly, the India/Pakistani/French Badila Ensemble, Oriental Jazz by Kamal Musalam, the Taksim Trio - improvisation artists from Turkey (photo) and many more. Goal of ADACH is to get groups involved who are international nameable and integrate different music styles fusing of sound, instruments and musical influences getting heard. (bs)

Forwarders are honouring Emirates with "Aircargo Award 2008"

The cargo division of the in Dubai located airline, Emirates SkyCargo was honoured by 240 German air-cargo forwarders as the best airline 2008 by getting the "Aircargo Award". Emirates SkyCargo obtained the bi-yearly award for the second time in series after 2006 the first time. The service quality, customer focus and the cost-performance-ratio of Cargo-Airlines was evaluated in Germany. With 788 of 1,000 points the Emirates SkyCargo was able to win outright the overall victory. The cargo division of the international airline Emirates was able to score with small forwarders as well as with huge logistic companies.

UAE: Sheikha Fatima initiates help for displaced women

Sheikha Fatima, wife of the former president Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan called on the 19 September 2008 for a 90 days lasting aid program, which stands under her patronage. According to the Emirati news agency WAM the program cooperates with the Red Cross Society of the country. The donations which are collected during the next 90 days inure to the benefit of displaced women and their children. A focus lays on the education of the girls, health and healthy nutrition. The program is accompanied by radio and television spots. The posters in the malls will catch the guest's eyes. Sheikha Fatima, well-known as "mother of the nation", is the manager of UAE General Women's Union and stands up for the women of the Emirates since decades. She aided many projects with the goal to improve the living conditions of displaced women in many countries of the earth. (bs)

UAE: Etihad with "midsummer"

Etihad Airways looks back on the most businesslike summer since founding of the airline 4 years earlier: During the month June, July and August more than 1.5 million passengers flew with the national airline of the United Arab Emirates. The highest seat load of Etihad was on the 1 August 2008: 20,721 passengers were flying on this day with the Arab airline. The average load during the summer month is about 83 percent. In Europe the flights to London Heathrow reached a load of 91 percent followed by Munich with 88 percent. Flights to Brussels, Dublin, Manchester and Paris reached an average load of over 80 percent in the Economy Class. The Asia-Pacific-Region was with an average seat load of 81 percent was as well very popular.

UAE: Exhibition at the DIFC in Dubai

There is another indication for stronger cooperation between Dubai and Germany on the cultural sector, which is due to the commitment of Michael Schindler, the cultural director of the Authority for Culture in Dubai. After the exhibition "Dubai Next" in the Vitra Design Museum in Weil am Rheine, which ends on 14.9.2008, an exhibition in Dubai is under way: from 15 September until 4 November 2008 a presentation takes place which is a collection of historical photos from the Reiss-Engelhorn-Museum in Mannheim. Subject of the exhibition are the centres of the pilgrims in the Near and Middle East. The photos are descendent in the 19th century. Patronage of the exhibition is Sheikh Majed bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, chairman of the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority. Place of the exhibition: Lobby V in the Dubai International Financial Center (photo). (bs)

UAE: A photo exhibition with historical pictures of Dubai

In the Ghaf Art Gallery in Dubai an exhibition with photos of the famous Austrian photograph Georg Riha takes place from the 6 - 15 October 2008. Feature: Photos of Dubai, which were taken by the photograph out of a helicopter in the 1970's. The photos have a format of 1x1m. Small, flat houses and dhows at continuous sandy beaches are seen there, where today skyscrapers are growing to heaven. The exhibition stands under the patronage of the Austrian embassy in Abu Dhabi. Information: www.ghafgallery.com (bs)

UAE: Exclusive Terminal for Emirates in Dubai

Emirates will move into their own terminal at the Dubai International Airport. The start-up is supposed to happen in several phases. On the 14 October the first Emirates-airplane, an Airbus A380-200 with the aim Doha, will be dispatched. During the first phase all flights to the member states of the "Gulf Cooperation Council" (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE) and the USA are dispatched from terminal 3. These 40 daily flights are complying with about 15 percent of all Emirates flights. In a second step the Near East are included as well as the Emirates destinations in Africa for that 99 daily flights (37 percent of all flights) are dispatched from the new terminal. During the third phase the flights to Europe will be dispatched from there. The figure of daily flights from terminal 3 then rises up to 168 (60 percent of all flights). Within the forth and last phase goals like India, Southeast Asia and Australia are going to be included so that every daily flight of the 269 are dispatched from the new terminal.

UAE: Abu Dhabi Media Company (ADMC) and Hollywood

The news agency of the Emirates (WAM) reports in the beginning of September 2008 of the founding of the company "imagination abu dhabi", a film financing company of the government's own ADMC, which wants to form Joint Ventures with Hollywood and other international film producers. Goal is the development, financing and production of 40 films within the next five years for $ 1 billion. Mohammed Khalaf Al Mazrouei (photo), chairman of ADACH (Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage) is as well chairman of "imagination". He marks the establishment of a global media concern as a further component in the establishment of Abu Dhabi within the global key markets. The chief financial officer of "imagination" is the German Stefan Brunner. The first concrete film project is announced for this year. (bs)

UAE: Leader for renewable energies

The rapid growing energy consumption of the Near and Middle East is a challenge and the climate change makes acting necessary: that fact becomes more and more reality to the people of the region. According to a survey with leading companies 92 percent admit that the UAE should invest more in research and adoption of alternative and renewable energies in terms of solar and wind energy. Organic benzene is also asked for. 69 percent argued for a peaceful usage of nuclear energy. About 300 national entrepreneurs and decision makers were asked.

UAE: Restoration of historical buildings in Al Ain

The workings are going on well. In the first place stands the restoration of the well preserved Al Jahili Forts in downtown nearby the oasis, which are due to be finished in the end of 2008 with the usage of latest technologies. Then a new information centre and a permanent exhibition of the famous British explorer Wilfred Thesiger (called "Mubarak bin London in the Emirates) are going to be opened. Other important restorations are the house of Hamad bin Hadi Al Daramaki (photo) in the Hili oasis. Because of the huge demolition and to save the historical appearance, specialists are working here. (bs)

UAE: First Class from Munich to Abu Dhabi

From the 12 September 2008 travellers can enjoy their flight in the First Class with Etihad Airways from Munich. Then an A380-200 will fly daily with a 3 class configuration to the hub in Abu Dhabi. Until the middle of September a 2 class or 3 class airplane will be constituted in rotation. "Germany is an important market for Etihad in Europe", Area Manager of Etihad Airways Germany Udo Fischer brings out. "Munich is developing very well since the first flight in June 2004. The demand for premium flights rose up especially in the last months. Within the Business Class we have already today an average load of more than 75 percent. To insert the First Class in Munich was a basic step for Etihad."

UAE: Boeing 777 twin pack

Further entries in the navies of the Emirates: The in Dubai located airline received two Boeing 777 long haul aircraft in one day. The accession in the form of one Jet type Boeing 777-200LR and one Jet type Boeing 777-300ER enlarges the naval up to 121 wide-bodied aircrafts. The two new Emirates-airplanes are coming first into use in long distance flights to North and South America. His highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, chairman and chief executive of Emirates Airline & Group: "Our new 777-jets are very welcomed in our naval. It happens not that often that an airline receives two wide-bodied aircrafts with a total value of more than $ 500 million on one day."

Ramadan kareem

Ramadan takes this year from 1 - 29 September. Remember, during this time smoking, eating and drinking in public are not allowed in the daytime. After sunset all controls are repealed and cities come alive: to burn the candle at both ends. The Ramadan will be followed with the five days celebration Eid Al-Fitr, one of the highest Muslim feast day. A couple of days before Ramadan the shopping malls and stores are full - they're buying sweets and presents for the children and new wardrobe for the whole celebrations in the evening. At an increasing rate special cultural events are recorded in the Gulf States during Ramadan. Among business friends and personal friends it is tradition to interchange greeting cards. It is very welcomed when foreign business friends end their business mails with a complimentary close. Examples: "Wish you and your Family peace on the Eve of Ramadan" or "Wish you and your Family a Blessed Ramadan". (bs)

UAE: Artscape in Abu Dhabi

The Tourism Development & Investment Company TDIC came up with some new. Parallel to current art exhibitions in Abu Dhabi events take place in the cultural founding nearby to the Al Hosn Forts, which are due to be interesting to the inhabitants of the Emirates but as well preparing guests from foreign countries for coming events within the planned art and cultural facilites on Saadiyat Island. Admission is free. The artistic and cultural programme on the Artscape-chain covers music, performances, talk shows, workshops and educational offers which are geared to the actual exhibitions. At the moment it is the Picasso exhibition, which takes place in the Hotel Emirates Palace until 4 September 2008. During the event it is provided sustenance. It's worth to ask about Artscape events in the cultural foundation (photo) during an art exhibition in the Emirates Palace. (bs)

UAE: With the hydroplane to the art

The company "Seawings" in Dubai offers hydroplane charter flights and as courser exclusive flights which transport the guests from the starting point the Jebel Ali Hotel in Dubai directly to the Emirates Hotel in Abu Dhabi (photo), have established. Those guests have one goal at the moment under the slogan "Fly Picasso": the exhibition about Picasso which ends on 4.9.2008. Return flight costs AED 1500 for each person, four passengers minimum. For the future there are more high-ranking exhibitions planned. Because of that fact it is an interesting possibility for stressed out business people and visitors of Dubai to experience finest art with an expertly lead through Abu Dhabi within three hours. Certainly you're able to book a hydroplane for spectacular sightseeing-tours. Information: www.seawings.ae (bs)

UAE: artparis - Abu Dhabi art fair

From 17 - 21 November 2008 the annual art fair takes place for the second time at the Emirates Palace Hotel in Abu Dhabi. Besides the presentation of 3,000 works from international artists of the 17th till 20th century through 58 international galleries two highlights are on this year's fair. In the exhibition "Agitation and communication - Journeys through desert and sea" 19 Arab artists diversify this topic with photos, painting and videos. From the Gulf States Abdul Qader Al Rais (UAE) and Faisal Samra (Saudi Arabia) are coming. Curator is the Lebanese Amal Traboulsi who is specified on Arab art. The garden of the hotel will be a paradise of sculptures wherefore a multiplicity of unusual colossal works of international sculptor are responsible for. The 1x1 Art Space Gallery from Dubai represents works of three Indians. (bs)

UAE: For the concert to Abu Dhabi

Starting shot is on the 24 October 2008 in the Emirates Palace and afterwards until May 2009 the most famous orchestras and soloists worldwide pass the stick on. The Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, the London Philharmonic Orchestra, Lang Lang and many more came to the premiere. For some western artists the performance in Abu Dhabi is as well a premiere and so they're responding to the call of the Emirates which wants to put the focus of the international musical scene on Abu Dhabi with its 22 concerts during the coming season. Besides Abu Dhabi city the oasis city Al Ain is a romantic concert scenery. To attract especially the European audience a partnership between the organizers of the Abu Dhabi Classics and the tour operator Airtours who offers exclusive travel packages inclusive a concert visit starting at ? 4,490, was formed. Information about the concerts: www.abudhabi-classics.com (bs)

UAE: Female military pilots for the first time ever

During the last 40 years, the Emirates had go through in-depth social and demographic changes, which consists on the economic boom as well as the future visions of the country. The woman's role within society attaches great importance to this connection and with the aid of the government the Emirate's women gain the possibility to bail out their potential. According to an announcement of the Emirates News Agency three women were able to reach a male-dominated sector in August 2008: They are the first female military pilots within the fighting forces of the Emirates. Further women are following. Significantly the press confessed about how the female pilots were dressed at their introduction: "Dressed in khaki overalls with black headdress" ? The three female pilots are aged between 28 and 29 years, have all a finished university education and were already in the services. This decision of the government is part of a broad campaign to raise the amount of women within key areas as ministry, parliament and law.

UAE: Leaders in Dubai

From 16 - 18 November 2008 the Business Forum takes place at the Dubai International Convention Center yet again - with nameable referees from all over the world among them also, after several requests of Emirate companies, the former mayor of New York, Rudolph Giuliani (photo), which honoured the Business Forum 2004 the first time. With excitement the over 1500 important companies of the Gulf States await the speech in which Giuliani explains his opinions about international relationships, lead and economy. For western attendees the forum is interesting because of the excellent possibility of starting contacts to decision makers of the Gulf States or to deepen them. The forum is accompanied by a trade exhibition. Information about the program, the exhibitors and further references are available at: www.leaderindubai.com (bs)

UAE: Enormous real estate investments in Abu Dhabi

According to latest research of information of Emirates News Agency the investments in infrastructure and real estates will reach the amount of Dirham 200 billion in 2012. Until 2013 140,000 new living quarters are going to be realized. Due to the population growth of 7 percent a year, the effort of the government and the steadily extension of infrastructure the real estate sector processes rapid in Abu Dhabi and booms. The market profits of the initiatives to justify the rules of the real estate's sector. Further support is coming from an easing of customs restrictions with cement and steal, an important step for the stabilization of costs for building materials. Thus the steal price felt about 15 percent. (bs) (photo: new tourist attraction Al Bateen under construction)

UAE: Prince of Poets

"Prince of Poets" is an annual organised, classical poet contest which took place for the first time in 2007. It is seen on TV at the moment and nameable poets of the Arab world are taking part. Poetry has traditional a great part in the Arab world and in the show modern media concepts are getting connected with the traditional poetry. Aim of the competition is to preserve this centenary old culture especially young people are the target group. Initiator is ADACH (Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage). The show is produced by Pyramedia. The media spectacle which is getting more and more important to the Arab world is seen on Abu Dhabi TV and on the "Poetry-Channel". The several life shows are taking place at the late evening at the Al Raha Beach Theatre in Abu Dhabi, entrance is free. Besides renowned poets from the Arab world, whose abilities are commented life by a jury, even famous young show stars of pop music and entertainer are performing. The decision which is waited for with bated breath who will be the "Prince of Poets" is going to be announced on 14 August 2008 (bs)

UAE: 6000 year old camel bones were found

The remains of 40 wild camels which were found in the western desert of Abu Dhabi in the area around Baynunah were announced on the annual conference in July 2008 of international archaeologists at the British Museum in London as the largest remains of this type in Arab and worldwide as significant. The place of discovery lies in a desert sink where about 6000 to 9000 years ago lakes were located: Meeting point of wild camels. Arrowheads founded in the nearer area give chapter and verse for the camels to be quarry. Scientists found out that 6000 years ago even bigger animals lived than during the Bronze Age 4000 years ago. Camels were domesticated only since the Ice Age so 3000 years ago. The research will be continued in the following winter. To the international team of scientists belongs also Dr. Matthias Huels, specialist for radiocarbon dating from the Christian Albrechts-University in Kiel. (bs)

Dubai presents shopping mall of the future

Gate to the Gulf, holiday paradise and shopping mecca - those are the highlights the Gulf Metropolis advertises with. At the annual conference of the Middle Easter Council of Shopping Centres (MECEC) from April 21st until April 22nd in Dubai the future shopping malls of the Emirates will be presented. On board is the developer Aldar with fancy models of for example the planned central market in Abu Dhabi or the shopping complex Noor Al Ain (picture) in the desert state of the same name.

Increase of food prices in Dubai - state interferes

Given the worldwide inflation of food the public authorities reacted and implemented a price ceiling. According to an article of the daily newspaper Al-Ittihad the increase has been stopped for wheat and rice. Other sources are less optimistic concerning the development of aliment: allegedly the rice stocks of the VAE will only last for another 6 weeks.

Olympic fire arrives in Oman

After station in Tanzania, Africa, the Olympic torch relay will be continued today, on Monday, in Oman's capital Muscat. Oman is the only Arabic country the symbol of the games 2008 in Beijing will be seen. Protests like in Europe are not expected because Oman monarch Sultan Quabus rules his empire with an iron hand and demonstrations are forbidden.

Interior design company of Burj Al Arab goes public

The Dubai Global Interior Solutions, short Depa goes public. Once Depa created the interior design of the 7 star hotel Burj Al Arab and the Emirates Palace Abu Dhabi. At present the artists and interior designers are working meticulously at the interior of the Burj Dubai, that with 900 m is planed to be the highest building of the world. The Depa shares, that can be subscribed by residential guest workers of the VAE only until April 13th, are expected to celebrate the first listing at Dubai's International stock-market DIFX on April 23rd.

Dubai Mall opens August 28th 2008

Good news for shopping fans and consume cowboys: the Dubai Mall, one of the biggest shopping and leisure centers of the world opens the gates on August 28th this year. The general director of the 50 football fields wide mall Yousif Al Ali promises 1200 shops and 120 restaurants and catering businesses...and the largest aquarium of the world with 33000 live fish. Furthermore th expecting customer will be awaiting: the first Lafayette gallery of the Middle East, an ice rink with Olympic dimensions and a multiplex cinema with 22 screens. In this Spirit: Fly, buy, Dubai!

Burj Dubai with new record and new competitor

For the first time the Burj Dubai is the highest man-made building in the world.The skyscraper, currently under construction, outbid with 630 m a TV-mast in the USA, the KVLY in Blanchard in the state of North Dakota. Last year, the Burj of the Emaar Group overbid with 508 m as highest, even though still empty building the Tapei 101 in Taiwan. The building company Nakheel is supposedly already planing to build a 1200 m high tower that will leave the Burj with a total high of 900m in the shadow.

Construction of Dubai Metro in efficient proceed

The construction of the 70 kilometer Dubai Metro route is in efficient proceed. The viaduct alongside the arterial Sheikh Zayed Road is even now one of the most eye-catching buildings in the Golf metropolis. The Metro will run from the Dubai Airport two stations underground and then overground to the free port Dschebel Ali, starting 2009. As the first public transportation of the world, which is going to include 57 stations, the Dubai Metro will be electronic operated at 100%. Total costs: converted 2,16 billion Euro.

Banks of the Emirates increase further

Regardless to the worldwide financial crisis, the banks of the United Arabic Emirates are increasing further. The biggest financial institution in the Middle East, the Emirates NBD, is expecting a growth of profit of 30% for the running year (after 35%) in 2007). Exceptionally good are the 7 Islamic Banks of th United Arabic Emirates. Due to the Koran law, the sharia, which prohibits interest ans speculation, they are not with one dollar involved in the house credits in America and Europe.

Emirates Airlines plans own Low-Cost-Carrier

Due to the success of the Middle Eastern Low-Cost-Carrier Airline Air Arabia form Sharjah, Jazeera Airways from Kuwait, NAS and Sama Airlines from Saudi Arabia sheik Ahmad bin Saed al-Maktoum, chef of the national Emirates Airlines from Dubai, is planning to establish his own Low-Cost-Carrier. At the last Dubai Air show in November 2007 he bought Emirates Machines for 23,4 billion dollar, with an option to buy 50 more planes for the total amount of 35 billion dollar. The new subsidiary company is going to be ready for takeoff in one year.

Art exhibition in the Dubai International Financial Centre

You won?t see only bank assistants with mobile phones when you go to the Dubai International Financial Centre these days. There are also oversized ants in bronze. This quaint open air exhibition is made by the american artist Susan P. Cochran. DIFC director Omar bin Sulyaman says that these 2 metre big and 3 metre long sculptures are presenting the growing engagement for art and culture of the Financial Centre. DIFX currently also sponsors the Gulf Arts Fair in the holiday resort Madinat Jumeirah. Worth seeing!

Taylor Hofer Partners AG expands to Dubai as the first German-speaking Headhunter

Taylor Hofer Partners AG from Zurich is the first German-speaking Headhunter in the Gulf Emirates. From its new office in the Dubai Airport Freezone W. Hofer and his wife Cécile Hofer together attend companies from the financial and consumer goods sphere that wanted to widen their managment by competent employees. ?Despite of high wages and attractive special packages talented and well-trained Executive Managers are rare in Dubai? knows Thomas W. Hofer which works in the Executive Search Branch for two decades. ?But the liberal Gulf metropolis also offers attractive career possibilities for women? added Cécile Hofer. Both managing partners already helped numerous German and Switzer companies to built branch offices in Dubai with its more than one year expert knowledge in the Middle East.

The al-Garhoud-Bridge over the Dubai Creek is reopened

With immediate effect you can cross the new 13 traces al-Garhoud-Bridge again to drive from Deira to Bur Dubai. One month ago the bridge had to be closed because of obstructions of traffic. The new Garhoud route can be used daily by 16,000 automobiles so the capacity is twice as high as on the old Garhoud-Bridge which will be demolished soon. Who wants to cross the Creek aloof from asphalt and dust should think about a trip with a water taxi ?Abra? (see picture).

Visit the ?Mother of all Yachts? on the Boat Show in Dubai

Summer is near: this time the International Boat Fair in harbour Dubai Marina attracts 800 companies from 48 countries. That is 20% more than in 2007. The challange says: Whose boat will be ?Mother of all Yachts?? In the next five years 30,000 until 50,000 boats should drive off shore of Dubai. The 16th International Boat Show will occur until next Saturday 15th March.

New drastic penalties for spitting and fly-tipping

After years of tolerance and lenience now the gulf emirates fine contaminators harder. In a new campaign for more cleanness the city council now fixed the following penalties: Who spites in the public has to pay 500 Dirham (89 Euros). 10,000 Dirham (1,785 Euros) are due for truck drivers who let its effluent seep away at the road side. Furthermore, they are threatened to loose their licence for a limited time. For unloading trash outside of the official dumps you have to pay 50,000 Dirham (8,900 Euros). No doubt: There?s no tolerance in Dubai anymore. Highly visible is the parallel to Singapore where even chewing a chewing gum is forbidden.

Arabic is the official language in the Emirates

Now Arabic ? not English or Hindi ? is the official language that has to be spoken in all administrations in the United Arabian Emirates. That was decided by the government in Abu Dhabi. They wanted to stop the ?Invasion of foreign languages? in the gulf state. Businesses are not allowed to be communicated in English. As you can see in the picture shields in Dubai will stay in English and Arabic for the time being.

International City is complete

Who searches for a cheap accommodation in the sinful expensive Dubai should look around the International City with its 21 hectare south-western from the Airport. An accommodation of 50 square metres costs only 40,000 Dirham (7,200 Euro) rent per year. Furthermore, singles and unmarried couples are allowed to live there. That is forbidden in Dubai?s Villas area. Builder Nakheel now finished the 387 buildings with its 20,000 apartments. Already 50,000 people live in the International City and 70,000 are expected.

From London to Dubai in the Business-class of Silverjet

Travelling salesperson attention, please! Who is tired of the strikes at home should think about a flight with Silverjet from London to Dubai. Chief attraction: the three Silverjet planes typ Boeing 767-200 now have a business-class called Silverclass. The air passenger checks in at a spacious private terminal at London?s airport Luton. Furthermore: 87% of all flights in February have been on time. No surprise that the number of seats risen from 10% to 65 % last month. Result: It?s almost as good as flying! (Picture: Silverjet)

Water taxis for Dubai

New taxis and water needs the country. Therefore the department for marine of the municipal Ministry of Transportation (RTA) will spend 5 Million Euros. The idea: additionally to the traditional Abras (see picture) on the Dubai Creek 10 new water taxis should bring tourists and locals wherever they want to go only by order via telephone. Furthermore, an australian consultancy named Mounsel works on a plan to let water taxis shuttle between the artifisial islands Palm 1, 2, 3 and between Dubai and the neighbour Emirate Sharjah.

Dubai Industrial City attracts Siemens, Porsche and Volkswagen

Chief of the Dubai Industrial City (DIC) Rashed al-Ansari (see picture) looks back on a successful year 2007. More than 430 international companies elected for the industry area on the Emirates Road in South West of Dubai. For example main companies like Porsche, Aston Martin, Infinity, Audi and Volkswagen. Besides workshops and motor pools there is a training school for skilled workers on the 560 Million square metre DIC area. ?The academy is the first in her own way in the Arabian Gulf Region? said al-Ansari.

Placido Domingo and the philharmonic of Baden-Baden are performing on the Pearl Qatar

Today, the Spanish Opera Tenor Placido Domingo will sing on the Pearl Qatar the artificial island off shore of Doha which should confer a mediterrean flair with its small town Porto Arabia Katar. The world famous singer will be accompanied with music from the philharmonic of Baden-Baden. The gulf states enclose itself often with world famous stars. Also Dubai with Tennis Professional Roger Federer who not only has challanges in the gulf Emirates but also practise regularly in winter or Bahrain with Michael Jackson who is an official guest of the local royal family.

Boris Becker Tower uncovered

ACI the German property developer uncovered the Boris Becker Tower for 550 Million Dirham (100 Million Euro) ? at least the model. The high-rise building named after the erstwhile Tennis star will be situated in the Business Bay. Together with the Niki Lauda Twin Towers and the Michael Schumacher Promenaded the BB Tower are advertised a lot. Industry experts put the marketing costs at 15 Million Euro (picture: ACI advertisement in front of the Burj al-Arab).

Nice weather provides holiday feelings

Dive into the holiday paradise Dubai: after weeks of rain in january now temperatures of 30 degree celcius brings back holiday feelings through the gulf emirates. Light wind and the fragrance of arabic grill provides happieness in the hotels and holiday resorts. Sporty guests already go into water that attracts with temperatures under 16 degrees.

Countdown for the ITB in Berlin

Who still doesn?t know Dubai and the Emirates should tag the date of the International Tourism Trade Fair ITB in Berlin from 5th until 9th March in the calender. This year, the Emirates Airlines will present Dubai as the most popular travel destination at the Arabian Gulf (7 Million guests per year) with a 3 floor walkable globe ? 35 audio-visual screens and a catering area for 72 guests should pamper eyes and palate. The DUBAI Magazine will have stand 105 in hall 22. Claudia Hirschfeld the german organist will also perform a musical journey through the Gulf.

First islamic hotel opened

With the Tamani deluxe Dubai got its first islamic hotel. The luxury hotel situated in the Dubai Marina is dominated by the rules of the Koran, i.e. no alcohol but prayer room on every floor and a wide family care, for example, full-time children care. The operating company KM Holding pointed out that the Tamani complex with its 55 floors and 209 hotel apartments is open for everyone, independently from the guests belief.

Air Arabia boosts its annual profit at 272%

The low budget airline Air Arabia from Dubai?s neighbour Emirate Sharjah earned 276 Million Dirham in 2007 (arround 29 Million Euro). That means a plus of 272% compared with 2006. Last year, Air Arabia which lists stocks at the Dubai Financial Market welcomed 2,7 Million passengers on board of its Airbus A320 armada.

Hotels in Dubai are attracting with special offers for Valentinsday

If you are in Dubai for Valentinsday you should cast an eye on the attractive offers of the restaurant and catering industry. Most of the hotels lure with attractive room prices, many restaurants have special menus to nibble and linger for two. Also in Dubai counts the way to a man?s heart is through his stomach. An especially fancy attraction offers Liberty Dhow with a five star buffet on the creek, accompanied with live music and a raffle. (source: Liberty Dhow)

Jumeirah Group plans a separate hotel chain for lower budgets

Because of Dubai?s landmark the seven star Hotel Burj al-Arab Jumeirah became world famous. Now the Jumeirah Chief Executive Gerald Lawless (see picture) plans to establish a separate hotel chain for holiday makers of the middle price segment. Among other things Jumeirah runs the Emirates Towers, the Beach Hotel (see picture on the left side of the latest issue of DUBAI Magazine) and two high class hotels in London and New York. The Dubai Group owned by the Dubai monarch family al-Maktoum now also started to built 10 luxury hotels in China.

Dubai?s Regent Sheik Mohammed visits Germany

This morning Berlin expects a very important visitor from the Orient: escorted by his business delegation Dubai?s Sheik Mohammed bin Raschid al-Maktoum which also is vice president of the prime and defence ministry will meet the Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel. Exactly one year ago the German Head of Government was in Dubai for a ward round. The Federal Government and the United Arabian Emirates are cultivating a friendship. In 2006 the UAE imported products Made in Germany amounting to 5.41 Billion Euros (6th position of the import countries). Approximately 10,000 Germans are living and working in the Emirates. Also called Chief of Dubai Inc. the Regent will stay in Germany until Thursday.

Al Fara?s Properties attracts with Mulberry Masions

The precious area Jumeirah is actually already deemed to be ?booked?. But there is still space for exclusive Villas shows Al Fara?s Properties. They now offer Mulberry Mansions built in a Victorian style. 23 Mansions with a total amount of 95 million Dirham(17.27 million Euros) are planned to be hand over to their owners in the third quarter of 2009.

Sheik Hamdan is the new crown prince of Dubai

As expected the Regent Sheik Mohammed bin Raschid al-Maktoum which controls the Gulf Emirates since Sheik Maktoum died at the beginning of 2006 now appointed his second eldest son Sheik Hamdan bin Mohammed al-Maktoum as crown prince of Dubai. The Prince, born in 1982 is chairman of the Dubai Executive Council and as well as all men in the dynasty at the Arabian Gulf he passed through the British Military Academy Sandhurst after school.

Living and golfing in Dubai - Villas in the Victory Heights revealed

Victory Heights is the first luxury residential community in the Emirates that is integrated in a golf course. By now, in a show room near Dubai Sports City you can view models and sample Villas where the Victory Heights will be located. Golfing at the gulf straight in front of the Villa - what more could you want?

Dubai Maritime City brings the ocean very closely

Although the locals are tired of water after weeks of rain and floods in January everyone is excited about the brand new construction plans for the ocean city 'Dubai Maritime City'. As almost already common at real estate projects in the Emirates also Maritime City offers possibilities to live and work ? there will be also a University with marine biology and water sports on its schedules. On the Dubai International Boat Show from March 11th to March 15th 2008 (the counterpart of the Düsseldorfer Boat Fair in Germany) you can get more information about the new colony at the gulf and its 30,000 landing stages.

Etisalat furthermore is the most popular mobile telephone service provider in the UAE

One year ago the national mobile telephone group Etisalat (33 Million subscribers in 14 countries) got the monopoly for the UAE. Up to now the new private provider 'Du' did not succeed to crack the market power of Etisalat. According to a survey of Maktoob Research 79% of the mobile phone user regard Etisalat as good provider and only 60% think 'Du' is good because their clients still complain about heavy connecting problems.

Dubai Shopping Festival 2008 attracts with a Lexus raffle

At the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) you can win a Lexus car every day. You just have to purchase goods worth 350 Dirham (65.30 Euro) in an official DSF - shop or shopping centre to take part in the raffle. The DSF 2008 with great prices and game shows for the whole family will continue until 24 February.

Central point of the universe?

? will soon be in Dubai. That is what Nakheel Properties, constructor of the artificial peninsula 'The Palm' (there are already 3 of them) and 'The World' plans. 'The Universe' should offer tourists and natives a never ending fascinating home as another group of islands off shore of Dubai on a surface of 3,000 hectare. It will be located between Palm Deira and Palm Jumeirah with an estimated construction time between 15 and 20 years.

Trade fair for tourism projects TDIM in Dubai

The principal theme on the first Tourism Development Projects & Investment Market 2008 trade fair in Dubai from January 20th until 22nd in Dubai is not about Hotels and package tours but tourism projects and its investment possibilities. Besides Dubailand the adventure and recreation park of the gulf metropolis you can marvel at the models for projects of the other emirates and GCC States. For example, a model of the Formula 1 Racetrack designed by ALDAR Properties for the Abu Dhabi Prix which is planned for 2009 (see picture).

Jazeera Airways is listing shares at the Kuwait Stock Exchange

The first listing at the stock exchange is always a moving moment for start-ups. Today is the debut of the Low-Cost-Airline Jazeera Airways from Kuwait on the local market. The planes, type Airbus A320 of Jazeera Airways are furnished with leather seats and offering numerous destinations in the Middle East also from Dubai to unrivalled cheap prices. Picture: see Marwan Boodai the chief executive of Jazeera and the vice chief Sheikha Al Bahar ringing the ending bell at the Kuwait Stock Exchange with applause of the brokers.

Dubai gets a public holiday because of Bush

This morning it was very quiet in Dubai (Picture: 8 a.m. in front of the Burj Al Arab). Because US President George W. Bush will visit Dubai today the government of the Emirates announced this Monday without further ado as public holiday. Furthermore all bridges and important streets like Sheikh Zayed Road, for example, were closed. At the crossways the few cars has been checked. Yesterday, on Sunday, heavy rain caused big chaos on Dubai's streets.

Burj Dubai is growing

By now the landmark of the gulf metropolis the Super-Tower Burj Dubai grew up to 598.5 metres that means 158 floors. At the same time the workings on the facades are making progress. One third of the Burj Tower is already silver. Therefore the Tower does not look fragile as a match anymore but futuristic.

Island of Coconut takes shape

The Island of Coconut near the West Coast of Abu Dhabi slowly takes shape. The artificial reclaimed Island by ALDAR Properties should be covered with buildings in 2010. Only the locals will have the chance to earn the 160 exclusive luxury apartments and villas on the Island.

'EU in the Gulf Region' will come true

Finally the dream of a collective economic area became reality with starting the New Year. Inhabitants of the 6 countries Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, UAE, Oman and Saudi Arabia which together build the Gulf Cooperation Council GCC are now free to choose their jobs and domiciles within the Gulf Union. Furthermore, there is free capital transaction. 40% of the 36 million people living in the states of the GCC which have an economic power of 750 billion dollars are foreigners.

Happy New Year!

At midnight, they cracked the New Year's Eve rockets over Dubai and the sparkling wine corks in the luxury hotels 3 hours before the Central European Time (CET). DUBAI-Magazine wishes its readers a healthy, successful and Happy New Year 2008 and further on fun with the reading. (Picture: fireworks over the Jumeirah Beach Hotel in Dubai)

Merry Christmas!

Dear reader

DUBAI-Magazine says thank you for your loyalty and wishes you and all friends of the Gulf Emirates a blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Picture: festive decorated lobby in the Burj Al Arab.

Bush will visit the Emirates

The American President George W. Bush will visit the United Arabian Emirates from January, 8 until 16 in the context of his Middle East Journey. Normally Guests of States will be welcome in the capital Abu Dhabi so it is unclear yet if Dubai is on his schedule as well. The First Lady Laura Bush already visited the Gulf Emirates at the end of October 2007. She was campaigning for her worldwide initiative against breast cancer. (Source: whitehouse.gov)

BMW was awarded in Dubai

BMW and its partner company AGMC in Dubai could cheer even three times at the granting of the Autocar Trophy for the Middle East. The car MINI (picture) by BMW got an award for the 'Best Sports Car in 2007'; now AGMC as official importer for models of the Munich Automobile Affiliated Group in Northern Emirates can call itself as 'Best trader' and 'Best owner'.

Eid al-Adha brings Dubai 3 holidays

This year the Islamic Festival of Sacrifice 'Eid al-Adha' that always occur at the end of the big pilgrimage Al Hajj will be from December, 18 until 20. That means 3 days off from next Tuesday for the Emirates and the other Islamic countries. Dubai visitors should not be too busy in these days but should wish their Muslim Friends a blessed holiday or 'Eid Mubarak'. (Picture: pilgrims on the Sharjah International Airport near Dubai on their way to Mecca).

The German Event Agency Avantgarde conjure in Oman

There are a lot of property projects in the gulf area but they also want to be staged in a right way. That is what the Middle East branch of the Event Agency 'Avantgarde' from Munich is specialized in. In Dubai Wiebke Borstelmann (see picture), responsible director in this region, and her team are currently planning the marketing campaign for the planned Oman city Al Medina Al Zarga ('The blue city') which will be extended on 30 million square metres between Muscat and Sohar. Now, the Avantgarde fascinated 300 VIP guests from policy and economy with a brilliant Laser-Show in the middle of the desert.

Property project Dubai Pearl will be revived

Now, the once declared dead project 'Dubai Pearl' across from the Palm Jumeirah will still be achieved. After the construction site was unused for one year they now still want to build the tower block complex designed by the German architect?s office Schwaiger on strict ecological criteria. In the picture you see Lawrence Elms, Principal of the Dubai Pearl, explaining the concept of the 3 million dollar complex for offices and apartments.

International Jewellery Week in Dubai from 11th until 15th December

On Wednesday December 12th 2007 Dubai the 'City of Gold' lets it sparkle and shine especially powerful. Once again the Gulf Emirates require its title as Mecca for gold and jewellery when the Dubai International Jewellery Week takes place in the fair centre at the World Trade Centre. 14% of the worldwide Jewellery selling is transacted in Dubai by now. 90% of the annual 7 million Dubai travellers are buying a gold souvenir or gemstone in any form. In this spirit: Fly ? Buy ? Dubai!

4th International Dubai Film Festival from December 9th until 16th

Dubai ends the year with a cultural top-class event. There will be the 4th International Dubai Film Festival from December 9th until 16th where numerous talents from the Middle East will present their skills and try to capture the hearts of cinema fans. Now, on the red carpet in Madinat Jumeirah you will see Arabian and Indian Stars. Also in the flash lights: Hollywood Stars Sharon Stone and George Clooney. For further information visit: www.dubaifilmfest.com

Dubai Studio City officially opened

The media industry of Dubai gets another stage. On Wednesday, 5th December 2007 Phase 1 of the Dubai Studio City was officially opened with a ceremonial act. In the middle of the desert in the south of Dubai, 18 radio and TV stations from Middle East have already accommodated themselves in boutique studios on the area of over 100,000 square metres. ?By now there are many interested parties for Phase 2? the director of DSC Jamal Al Sharif (see picture) said. Besides studios with a lot of technology and cables also 14 open-air stages for music and TV live concerts will be developed in this area by 2009. And Action!

The Emirates are celebrating their national holiday

The United Arabian Emirates (UAE) celebrating their 36th Birthday. The federation of 7 Emirates which was founded on the 2nd December 1971 by Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan (1918-2004, the picture shows a painting in Dubai) presents the political firmness in the Middle East. The UAE had also created a holiday destination and an emporium with worldwide recognition in the last years. In this spirit: Happy Birthday, UAE!

Dubai gets a speech centre at the Goethe-Institute

The German language must not go down in the Babylonian speech tangle of Dubai. That?s why there will be opened a speech centre at the Goethe-Institute of Dubai with a morning performance at the Mall of the Emirates on next Tuesday the 4th December. While the Emirates director Sheikh Ahmed bin Saaed al Maktoum and the consul general Johan-Adolf Cohausz are present German Oriental Jazz will be offered. There is an appropriate Goethe-Wisdom for the holiday paradise Dubai: ?If thou will feast on the whole, Thou must seek the whole in the smallest.?

in 2008 federal employees of the UAE will get 70 % more salary

All employees in public authorities of the UAE will get 70 % more salary in 2008. No surprise in reference to record breaking oil prices. But now there is high anxiety that the commerce could exploit high salaries to raise the prices again. On the latest parliament conference the Minister of Economic Affairs Sheikha Lubna al Qasimi (see picture) was blamed to do nothing against the high inflation of more than 10 %. Furthermore prices for imports of EU countries will rise more and more as a fact to the poor Dollar which the UAE is dependent of.

Boris Becker and Michael Schumacher-Skyscrapers in Dubai

After Dubai Sports City there will be skyscrapers in the gulf metropolis with names of Boris Becker and Michael Schumacher. The German property provider ACI advertises avidly with both projects in Dubai?s current daily newspapers and on street-adverts on the Jumeirah Road. Schumacher announced that he will be there when the project starts in January 2008. And Becker definitely will come as well: ready, steady, Dubai! (picture is just to imagine)

The Doha Airport was awarded

I have to admit: There is not always so much qatarian folklore as you can see in this picture, when you arrive at the Doha Airport. On the yearly award ceremony of the aviation industry the jury found that Doha?s service is the best. The Doha International Airport gets an Aviation Business Award for ?Best Airport in the Middle East? and its accessed Duty Free Shop gets an Award as well. About 10 million passengers arrive at the Doha airport per year. Europeans do not only arrive here for their Qatar holidays, but for a hub to travel to Africa and Asia.

Glamorous ending of the Airshow in Dubai

On the 10 th Dubai Airshow deals for over 100 billion Dollars - as much as never before - have been concluded. The european aeronautical consortium EADS made contracts of 163 airplanes including the additionally order of the Emirates Airline for 11 Airbus A 380. At the end of the Dubai Airshow the stunt pilots Patrouille de France (see picture) flew some stunning formations into the sky of the Emirates. The next Dubai Airshow is planned in 2009.

The Prince of Saudi Arabia Al Waleed buys the Airbus A380 as private jet in Dubai!

Usually, the major investor Prince Al Waleed bin Talal bin Abdulaziz al Saud of Saudi Arabia (see picture) does not publish his buying decisions. The 13th richest man in the world (capital of 20 billions), according to Forbes, made an exception on the 10th aeronautical fair trade in Dubai. The ambitious Prince bought the Airbus A380 "Superjumbo" which he will use as private jet from now on. With his new flying palace the 50 years old Prince wants to supervise the worldwide investments of his company Kingdom Holding like Citigroup, Mövenpick and Walt Disney as well as to seek for new investments.

Ready for the 10th Dubai Airshow!

Please, fasten your seat belts Dubai is ready to enter the heaven. As from this Sunday the state-of-the-art airplanes -- like the Airbus A380 "Superjumbo" -- will be presented on the Dubai International Airport, again. Aerialists will loop the loop and Barrel Rolls into the blue sky of the Gulf metropolis. The fair trade is just for experts but everyone can watch the open heaven and the air formations over Dubai. The 10th Dubai Airshow continues until Thursday the 15th November.

The Swiss minister of economic affairs Doris Leuthard visits Dubai

Yesterday, the Swiss minister of economic affairs Doris Leuthard (see picture in the middle) visited Dubai as part of her journey in the Oman and the UAE. Accompanied by a delegation of economics from Switzerland the Swiss federal council opens the new Middle East branch of the Genfer Private Bank Mirabaud in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) (in the picture: the DIFC-governor Omar bin Sulayman on the right side and the manager Yves Mirabaud). In the evening Hans Hauser the Swiss consul general of Dubai invited to a greeting in his residence in Dubai-Barshaa. It was a touching evening for Hauser because he will leave Dubai in the middle of November to continue his foreign services for Switzerland in São Paulo, Brasilia.

Big Ferrari-Opening in Abu Dhabi

On Saturday, Ferrari opens its world's 18th store in Abu Dhabi the capital of the UAE. Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo himself (see picture) inaugurated the Ferrari store with its 116 square metres that is located in the Marina Mall. They should not miss potential customers because the number of millionaires in the UAE increased by 11.8 % up to 68,000 last year.

For the first time banks of the Emirates are managing over 1,000 billion Dirham

The Emirates are growing faster and faster to the leading financial centre in regions of the Arabian Gulf. According to the Central Bank of the United Arabian Emirates (VAE) the banks in the state of the Gulf are managing more than 1,000 billion Dirhams for the first time. This is equivalent to 337 billion Dollars. No surprise that more and more banks from the neighbouring countries want to open up branches in the VAE. Besides the Doha Bank of Qatar now also the Saudi-Arabian Samba Financial Group has opened up a branch in Dubai.

?The Wave Muscat? is expecting a new selling wave

The ?Wave Muscat? of Oman is expecting a new selling wave. The real estate and holiday project in the north of the capital Muscat will auction the exclusive waterfront villas in early December. The project with its 2.5 million square metres and 4,000 houses is running so well that the constructors could pass participating in the trade fair for properties ?Cityscape? in Dubai two weeks ago.

Pearl Qatar obtains its first tower

Pearl Qatar the artificial Island off shore of Doha obtains its first tower. The developers of the Pearl (the UDC) announced that there will be the Tower31 with 20 levels in front of the entrance to the Pearl residential area Porto Arabia. The Pearl Qatar consists of 32 kilometres shoreline and if the construction work is done they will offer 40,000 inhabitants a place in the sun in the middle of the Arabian Gulf.

No cashless refuelling at Emarat, Enoc and Eppco

Hired car users attention, please! As from this Saturday you cannot pay by credit or smart card at Dubai?s petrol stations Emarat, Enoc and Eppco anymore. The reason: since the banks raised the fees for cashless payments in summer the speaker of the Emarat Group said that this will cause a loss of money and customers. This readjustment also contains the buying of soft drinks and snacks in supermarkets at petrol stations. Therefore you should always take enough cash with you.

Laura Bush visits the Emirates

The wife of the American President Laura Bush will visit the UAE during her Middle East trips from 20 ? 26 October. The First Lady will campaign for her worldwide initiative against breast cancer. On October the 20th she will meet her highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak head of the national union against breast cancer in the UAE.

The real estate trade fair ?cityscape? has opened

1,000 exhibitors with projects amounting on 1,300 billion Dollars ? the 6th Cityscape Dubai is again promised to establish a record with its expected 45,000 visitors. His Excellency Mohammed Al Gergawi the chairman of Dubai Holding and minister for cabinet questions opened the congress and shows enthusiasm on his round tour. Less enthusiastic is Dubai?s luxury hotel chain Jumeirah and the owner of the 7 Star Hotel Burj Al Arab for the plans of the Britain architectural firm RTKL that wants to build the Clyde Tower in Plymouth, south England. The schedule of this Tower looks confusingly similar to the emblem of Dubai.

Dubailand receive the living community ?Remraam?

Project developers overbid each other with new announcements because the real estate trade fair ?Cityscape? will open soon. For example the real estate sector of the national association Tatweer builds the living community ?Remraam? in Dubailand (see picture). Located in the neighbourhood of Global Village Remraam offers one and more bedroom apartments converted from 70,000 ? 273,000 Euros. The 6th Cityscape Dubai starts Tuesday, 16 October and ends Thursday, 18 October 2007. 45,000 real estate experts of 120 countries are expected.

Ready for the main travel season!

After the ending of the fasting month Ramadan this weekend the struggle with flights and hotel rooms in Dubai starts again. But new luxury accommodations are already on order. For example the Raffles Dubai that opens on 14 October 2007. Furthermore the German Lufthansa is expanding their range with 10 flights per week to Dubai and Abu Dhabi by October 28th. Even the weather is great now: temperatures are below 35 degrees Celsius and a slight wind at the beach is creating perfect holiday feelings. DUBAI magazine wishes: Have a nice holiday!