Abu Dhabi sets sail on 2014/15 Volvo Ocean Race campaign with intense UK Sailing Programme

posted on 19/06/2013

Volvo Ocean Race entrant, Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing, and its history making Azzam (determination) Volvo 70 race yacht, will return to top level competition in the UK this August with a fortnight of training and competitive sailing, culminating with the defence of its Rolex Fastnet Race title.

Having made history as the first Arabian contender in the global, nine month 2011/12 Volvo Ocean Race, the team - lead by skipper Ian Walker, a British double Olympic medallist - will get its 2014/15 race campaign in full sail at the flagship Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week sailing festival (3-10th August), with crew selection at the programme's core.

Taking on the three Big Boat Races during Cowes Week, the team - which will be based in Gosport on the UK South Coast - will trial key under-30 crew members in race conditions, before taking on the biennial Rolex Fastnet Race (11-13th August), which it won in record time in 2011.

"It is exciting to be getting Azzam ready to sail again. You become quite attached to a yacht when you spend so much time sailing it around the world. Cowes Week has always been one of my favourite regattas since I was a kid. It will be a bit scary sailing such a big, fast boat in the confines of the Solent but I think the Big Boat Races will be spectacular," said Walker, a two-time Volvo Ocean Race veteran.

"We will be looking at a few new crew members for the future of Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing. A quarter of the crew must be under 30 for the next race, so their appointment will be key to our success," he added.

Abu Dhabi Tourism '&' Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi), which owns the team and is behind the highly anticipated New Year 2015 UAE capital Volvo Ocean Race stopover, the third on the global route after Brazil, says Azzam's return to action marks a fitting start to its next campaign.

"Having started our first Volvo Ocean Race campaign at Cowes in 2011, it is fitting that we have gone full circle to start our next title push here again. It gives us a compelling platform to speak to the sailing world and with a hugely successful Abu Dhabi stopover under our belts, as well as a much more mature watersports offering, we are in a perfect position to let the sailing world know what destination Abu Dhabi can offer, both as a Volvo Ocean Race host city and as a near year round watersports destination of distinction," said Faisal Al Sheikh, Director Events Bureau, TCA Abu Dhabi.

Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing is due to announce its full 2014/15 Volvo Ocean Race crew line-up in the first quarter of 2014, when it will also receive its new one-design Volvo 65 race yacht. At least one UAE national will be included in the reduced eight man crew line-up, with more Emiratis involved on the shore team. – Emirates News Agency, WAM

RETURN TO TOP | WAM UP TO THE MINUTE NEWS

Abu Dhabi International Airport receives "Best Airport in the Middle East" award

posted on 19/06/2013

Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) has received the prestigious "Best Airport for the Middle East region" award from the Airports Council International (ACI).

The award came as a result of the capital's airport score in the 2012 Airport Service Quality (ASQ) survey results - a key benchmark for customer service in the global airports' industry.

Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) also attained the title of "Best Improved Airport in the Middle East" for Abu Dhabi International Airport, in recognition of the airport's tangible improvements in ASQ overall satisfaction results in the region for 2012. AUH has excelled in categories that demonstrate the operational efficiency of the airport and the quality of services offered. The airport scored 4.40 in ASQ indicators for 2012, an increase from 4.31 in 2011, to place the airport as first in the Middle East after being ranked second last year.

Collecting the award in Istanbul on behalf of ADAC, Engineer Ahmad Al Haddabi, Chief Operations Officer of ADAC, said, "ADAC is proud of receiving the award for "Best Airport in the Middle East" as it is a testament from ACI acknowledging ADAC's achievements in this field, an award the company cherishes and appreciates." – Emirates News Agency, WAM

RETURN TO TOP | WAM UP TO THE MINUTE NEWS

Etihad Airways bags Skytrax first class awards

posted on 19/06/2013

Etihad Airways has swept the Skytrax World Airline Awards' First Class category, receiving all three awards, for the second year in a row.

The Abu Dhabi-based airline took home the coveted title of Best First Class for the fourth consecutive year, as well as taking home top honours for Best First Class Seats and Best First Class Catering.

The awards, which are voted on by travellers from more than 160 countries, were presented at the Skytrax World Airline Awards ceremony yesterday at the Paris Air Show.

Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways' Chief Commercial Officer, said: "It is a huge accomplishment to take home the top honours in every First Class category again, underlining our leading premium product proposition.

"Etihad Airways has, in just 10 years of operation, risen rapidly in the Skytrax rankings because we are continually investing in innovative new product and service concepts. We believe that world-class hospitality should not be limited to hotels and restaurants, so we are elevating the travel experience by bringing the best of hospitality to every touch point in the journey", he added. – Emirates News Agency, WAM

RETURN TO TOP | WAM UP TO THE MINUTE NEWS

Emirates takes home 2013 ‘World’s Best Airline’ Award

posted on 19/06/2013

Emirates Airlines was awarded the highly coveted ‘World's Best Airline' award, presented by Skytrax at the 2013 World Airline Awards yesterday.

In addition to winning ‘World's Best Airline' Emirates scooped up a further two awards including; ‘Best Middle East Airline' and for a record ninth year in a row, ‘World's Best In-flight Entertainment'.

The awards were collected on Tuesday by Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline at the Paris Airshow. The Skytrax World Airline Awards polled over 18 million business and leisure air travellers from more than 160 countries

"Being honoured with these awards is testament to our unrelenting effort to be the world's best airline,” said Clark. "We are constantly striving to offer our customers consistent, world-class service that extends from the moment they make their booking to the moment they arrive home at the end of their journey.”

"These awards are widely regarded as the industry's benchmark for excellence. For us, the awards clearly reflect a vote of confidence from global travellers, who acknowledge and appreciate our continuous drive to deliver high-quality service. To be voted ‘World's Best Airline' by millions of discerning travellers really is something for our 60,000 strong workforce to be proud of,” added Clark.

Since launching in 1985, Emirates has grown into one of the largest and most dynamic airlines in the world and has transformed Dubai into a major connecting hub for global air travel.

Last year over 39 million customers flew with Emirates, connecting across the airline's global network and enjoying the airline's extensive onboard innovations, including the industry leading in-flight entertainment system ice, offering over 1,400 channels of entertainment.

Emirates has been, and continues to be, a leader in revolutionising air travel, working closely with manufacturers and suppliers to ensure all aspects of the customer experience are second to none. It is the many advances by Emirates in the area of aviation that have resulted in the airline winning more than 500 international awards. - Gulf News

RETURN TO TOP | WAM UP TO THE MINUTE NEWS

Emirates SkyCargo to open second trade lane with Philippines

posted on 19/06/2013

Emirates SkyCargo, the freight division of Emirates, is set to increase its cargo capacity to the Philippines, when the airline begins daily non-stop flights to Clark International Airport from 1st October 2013.

Clark International Airport is located in the province of the Pampanga in Central Luzon, which is 80 kilometres to the north of Manila. Central Luzon is one of the growth regions in the Philippines and is host to the country's premium economic zones, the Clark Freeport Zone and the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

Clarke International Airport will become Emirates second destination after Manila, the capital of the Philippines, to which Emirates has been operating flights since 1990, and due to the demand, has continued to increase its flight frequency on the route to its current triple daily, non-stop service.

With the new daily flight to Clark International, Emirates SkyCargo will be able to provide more than 160 tonnes of additional cargo hold capacity each way per week, further supporting Philippine exports of perishables, such as dairy products, fruit and vegetables, meat, seafood and electrical and electronic equipment, and it's imports of textiles, apparel, plants, flowers and chemical products.

"The Philippines is a very important market for Emirates SkyCargo, and with our Dubai Hub strategically located between East and West, we will be able to offer customers in the Central Luzon region particularly manufacturers producing hi-tech chips and electronic components, access to our global network and efficient distribution capability, thereby supporting supply chains to save time and money by accessing new and closer gateways like Clark International," said Ravishankar Mirle, Emirates Vice President, Commercial Cargo for East and West Asia, Australasia and Indian Ocean.

Operated by a Boeing 777-300ER, EK 388 will depart Dubai at 0400hrs and arrive at Clark International Airport at1640hrs, while the return flight EK 399 will depart at 1835hrs and arrive at Dubai International Airport at 2305hrs. – Emirates News Agency, WAM

RETURN TO TOP | WAM UP TO THE MINUTE NEWS

Dubai to receive up to 20m visitors by 2020

posted on 19/06/2013

In a nutshell, the Expo states that by 2020 Dubai will receive up to 20 million visitors per year. With investments of Dhs8 million and savings of Dhs6.5 million due to 15 per cent less energy consumption and 14 per cent less water consumption in the hotel sector between the years of 2009 and 2012, Majid Al Futtaim said that he was "so proud of what they have accomplished,” at the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) seminar.

The title of the seminar was Trends & Sustainability in the Hotel Sector and was hosted by the Emirates Green Building Council (EGBC) and sponsored by Al Futtaim himself.

The first session was about the DTCM itself and was presented by Sheikha Ebrahim Al Mutawa, the director of business development at the DTCM.

She presented facts and figures about what she deemed "the sustainable green journey by DTCM.”

Her presentation talked about what the faction had achieved regarding efficiency and resource saving, and the standards they hope to reach in the not too distant future in line with His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai's vision of the Expo 2020.

"Our mission is to position Dubai as the leading Tourism destination and the commercial hub in the world,” said Al Mutawa right before showing an interactive video that presented important statistics regarding this mission. According to the statistics presented in the video, Dubai received 1 million visitors in 1993 and as of 2012 receives up to 10 million visitors a year and is the 8th most visited city in the world. Al Mutawa also talked about the Dubai Green Tourism program, a programme "designed to improve the sustainability performance shift of the Dubai Tourism industry.”

Under the criteria of sustainable tourism, energy conservation, environmental awareness, knowledge exchange and supervision of the eco-tourism sector, this programme was "the first of its kind in the region which targets the hotel establishments, according to Al Mutawa.

Following that, Al Mutawa discussed the Green Tourism Award (GTA), which is to be awarded to a hotel establishment based on the following 4 criteria: 45 per cent Environmental Strategies, 25 per cent Training & Development, 25 per cent site visits and 5 per cent recognition. – The Gulf Today

RETURN TO TOP | WAM UP TO THE MINUTE NEWS

Rail link and metro connection planned for Abu Dhabi's Dh10.8 billion Midfield Terminal

posted on 19/06/2013

Abu Dhabi Airports Company (Adac) is preparing to put out for tender bids on the next major contract on the vast Midfield Terminal after completing its first big construction milestone this week.

Builders have poured the first structural concrete slab in its 700,000 square metre basement as work gathers pace on the terminal, which is due to be completed by the third quarter of 2017.

The new terminal, with an initial capacity of 30 million passengers, has also been designed to accommodate both a high-speed rail link and metro connection in the future, it has emerged.

"This will be the gateway to the capital," said Tony Douglas, Adac's chief executive, in an interview in Abu Dhabi yesterday. "It will define what airports of the future will look like."

The contractors - Arabtec, TAV and CCC - won the main Dh10.8 billion order to construct the terminal building last June.

The airfield package comprising taxiways and hardstands was awarded to India's Larsen & Toubro. Now Adac is preparing to procure a third major construction package to deliver a huge car park building.

"It will be the biggest multi-deck car park in Abu Dhabi by some order," said Mr Douglas, who joined Adac in March after delivering the Khalifa Port and Industrial Zone as the chief executive of Abu Dhabi Ports Company.

"We are in the final phases of defining it from a design point of view. Then we will go out to the market with that package."

It is part of Dh35.8bn in airport-related construction planned in the emirate under the Government's Plan Abu Dhabi 2030. The Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates-designed terminal will be the largest building in the capital. Its central space is big enough to accommodate three full-sized football pitches.

"Abu Dhabi Airports Company is looking ahead to an exciting new era of growth, focusing on increasing traffic at Abu Dhabi International Airport driven by Etihad Airways' accelerated growth," said Ali Majed Al Mansoori, Adac's chairman.

More than 7,500 construction workers are already employed on the site.

That number will rise to more than 11,000 at peak. Some 2,000 engineers, designers and other support staff are also engaged in delivering the project.

The new terminal will include about 27,800 square metres of retail and food and beverage outlets - or about the size of Abu Dhabi's Marina Mall, Adac said. The shops would be set around an 8,400 sq metre indoor park.

The terminal comprises 65 gates, including eight big enough to handle A380 superjumbos. The terminal building will have 156 check-in counters and 48 self-service kiosks.

The three big Arabian Gulf aviation hubs of Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi are investing billions of dollars in airport expansion projects as they draw long-haul traffic away from more established European airports such as London Heathrow and Amsterdam Schiphol.

Data from the International Air Transport Association (Iata) released yesterday showed Middle East carriers grew premium traffic from Europe by more than 11 per cent in April compared with a year earlier.

"Overall, Middle East airlines grew their premium traffic much faster than in the rest of the world," said Hussein Dabbas, Iata's regional vice president.

Abu Dhabi International Airport recorded record passenger numbers last year, rising by almost 19 per cent to 14.7 million.

That was driven mainly by the rapid expansion of Etihad, which has adopted a strategy of growth through so-called "equity alliances" that have enabled the carrier to buy into airlines such as Aer Lingus, Air Berlin, Air Seychelles and Virgin Australia.

This week the carrier disclosed it had struck an initial agreement with Jat Airways, the loss-making Serbian airline that could lead to Etihad's latest equity alliance.

"As we have demonstrated with our minority equity investments in other airlines, significant ongoing savings can be achieved through joint initiatives, said James Hogan, the Etihad chief executive. – The National

RETURN TO TOP | WAM UP TO THE MINUTE NEWS

Al Tayer watches test run of Al-Sufouh Tram in France

posted on 19/06/2013

Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), has recently watched the technical test run of Al Sufouh Tram conducted on a 700 km-long test track in the facilities of Alstom Company in France.

During the trial run, which was conducted at various speeds, the tests carried out covered the safety system, electric propulsion system of the tram coaches, braking system, sudden stop during emergency cases, ground power feed of the tram track, overhead power feed in the Depot, and doors operation mechanism.

In attendance among others were Adnan Al Hammadi, CEO of Rail Agency; Abdul Rida Abu Al Hassan, Director of Rail Planning '&' Development Projects; Dr. Khalid Hamdi; Projects Advisor of the Chairman of the Board '&' Executive Director; Dr. Kamal Adeer, Systems Manager at the Rail Agency; Mohammed Amiri, Manager of Rail Coaches Maintenance; Ali Lootah, Senior Engineer; and a host of executives from Alstom.

"This test run is a milestone in the implementation of Al Sufouh Tramway Project; which is being planned, designed and constructed in conformity with the directives by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, calling for the provision of a sophisticated transit system to serve Jumeirah Beach Residence, Marina and Al Safouh neighbourhoods," said Al Tayer.

"The technical test run is intended to assess '&' verify the readiness of the tram and the functionality as well as the performance of all control systems at all conditions," he said, adding that these test runs would continue till the tram is finally shipped. The validation of test results, he continued, will cover a variety of aspects including the air-conditioning system, power feed '&' braking system, coupling of tram coaches, disconnection of power supply, rail surveillance '&' control system as well as the operational tests of the tram under normal and emergency conditions.

Al Tayer confirmed that the test was successful in every respect as the tram motion was smooth, and free from vibrations, noises or disturbance as it was fed by a ground power cable system stretching throughout the track. "Al Sufouh Tram system is considered the first of its kind outside Europe fed by ground power cables, with no catenary cables involved.

Once the trams start arriving in Dubai next December, the RTA will commission other trial tests at the track site and these tests will roll on till the official launch of the tram service in November 2014," remarked Al Tayer who was elated for the amount of work done culminating in the completion of the tram test.

Al Tayer said: "Al Sufouh Tramway extends 14.6 km alongside Al Sufouh Road, and the initial Phase of the project envisages the construction of a 10.6 km-long track starting from the Dubai Marina and stretching up to the Tram Depot near the Dubai Police Academy. The Tram network comprises 17 passenger stations, 11 of which are covered under Phase I and spread across activity and population density areas along the tramway.

He added that the fleet comprises 11 trams in the initial phase, and 14 trams will be added in Phase II such that the total number of operating trams will be 25 trams. The tram is expected to lift about 27,000 riders per day at the start of operations in 2014, and the ridership is bound to pick up to hit 66,000 riders per day by 2020.

"Each tram measures 44 meters in length and has a capacity to accommodate about 300 riders. The Tram has a First Class (Gold Suite) and one cabin designated for ladies '&' children as well as a Silver Class cabin. The tram's carriages '&' stations will have deluxe interior finishing, and feature state-of-the-art technologies in the transmission and display of entertainment materials. In the stations, the passenger lounge will span 44 metres and is set to be equipped with Automatic Fare Collections systems", Al Tayer said.

He noted that the tram track basically extends at-grade level along Al Sufouh Road but rises in an elevated section when passing across certain parts of the Dubai Marina for reasons dictated by urban structures of the locality. It links up with the Metro system at three stations along Sheikh Zayed Road via footbridges to ease the transit and transfer of passengers between the two modes. Al Sufouh Tram will also be linked with the Monorail of The Palm Jumeirah at the entrance of the Palm from Al Sufouh Road to facilitate passenger movement between districts served by both modes.

"Al Sufouh Tram is considered the world's first tramway project powered by a ground-based electric supply system extending along the track, thus obviating the need for catenary cables. It is also the world's first tramway that uses Platform Screen Doors in passenger stations fully aligned with the tram's doors opening and shutting mechanism, providing maximum convenience, safety and security for passengers, and at the same time protecting the quality of the air-conditioning in the interior of both stations and carriages from external climatic conditions," said Al Tayer. – Emirates News Agency, WAM

RETURN TO TOP | WAM UP TO THE MINUTE NEWS

Sheikh Zayed Prize for Paediatric Surgical Innovation Presented by Children's National Medical Centre (USA)

posted on 19/06/2013

Washington, D.C.: Omar Al Shamsi, Deputy Chief of Mission of the UAE Embassy in Washington, DC, presented the inaugural Sheikh Zayed Prize for Paediatric Surgical Innovation to Dr. Heung Bae Kim of Boston Children's Hospital. The prize recognizes a mid-career individual who has successfully advanced surgical care for children, and includes a US$20,000 award.

The prize presentation took place on June 13th following Dr. Heung's presentation on "Patient Inspired Surgical Innovation," during the First Annual Paediatric Surgical Innovation Symposium in Washington, DC, hosted by the Sheikh Zayed Institute for Paediatric Surgical Innovation.

"Dr. Heung Bae Kim is a true leader and innovator in the field of paediatric medicine," said Mr. Al Shamsi. "I hope recognising his significant achievements to advance surgical care for children around the world will encourage his and others' combined contributions to paediatric surgery.

Sheikh Zayed, the late founder and first President of the UAE, was devoted to sharing the resources of our country to help improve the lives of people at home and abroad. It is only fitting that this prize bears his name and continues his legacy of supporting pioneers in health-care delivery." Dr. Heung Bae Kim is internationally recognised in paediatric surgery and transplantation. His research focuses on developing and testing alternatives to existing surgical procedures. He is Director of the Paediatric Transplant Centre at Boston Children's Hospital and an Associate Professor of surgery at Harvard Medical School. He originated a new procedure for short bowel syndrome, the STEP technique, now used when standard surgery is not feasible.

The Children's National Medical Centre's Sheikh Zayed Institute for Paediatric Surgical Innovation was launched in 2009. The Institute, which aims to make surgery more precise, less invasive and pain-free for children, was made possible by a US$150 million gift from the Government of Abu Dhabi to The Children's National Medical Centre.

The Sheikh Zayed Institute works to redefine what is possible in children's surgery and children's health-care through innovative research and development with a focus on pain medicine, immunology, bio-engineering and personalised medicine – Emirates News Agency, WAM

RETURN TO TOP | WAM UP TO THE MINUTE NEWS

Women big part of UAE culture

posted on 19/06/2013

The Women's Museum in Dubai — one of only four in the world which focus on women's heritage — is calling on both tourism operators and schools to make more of an effort to share the rich heritage of women in the UAE to visitors and the new generation alike.

The private museum opened in December last year, and while many women's groups, friends and students of public universities in the city had come to visit, tourism groups and Arabic school students had not, founder Dr Rafia Obaia Ghubash said.

"We have put pressure on tourist groups, but none will come...they say ‘it takes time for people to read, we want a quick tour. We just want to see a gold souk'.”

She said the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commercial Marketing wanted to help, but had little control over the many operators.

"Their business is to sell visas, bring these people and give them a tour and that's it.

"(Tour companies) (intentions) are not for people to learn about the country they are visiting.

"They're private (companies)...we can't force them. But this is a different level of tourist activity — it's to offer knowledge and a very high standard way of displaying knowledge.

"It even affects the psychology of the (team)...if you work here and in 10 days you get no visitors, maybe just one or two.”

Ghubash, who has a PhD in epidemiological psychiatry from London University and was president of Arabian Gulf University from 2001 to 2009, also wants the educational curriculum to incorporate the heritage of Arab women into their syllabuses.

She said there had been a lot of interest from young Emirati women from the local universities, who typically showed three emotions when they arrived:

"Happiness and excitement, and then anger — why don't they have the chance to learn their history within the school curriculum? Within our curriculum there is nothing about our history or our women.”

Associate professor in political science at United Arab Emirates University, Dr Maryam Lootah, said while things were "starting to change”, there was little information about the history of the state or society in the curriculum, and when women were mentioned their role was not considered important.

"We teach UAE society, and there's no mention (of the important role of women)...women were just in the house. This is one of the reasons (Ghubash) insisted on having this museum — to give real information for the new generation who don't see their grandmother (in this way), and to give the foreigner the exact image about women (in the country).”

The Minister of Education Humaid Mohammed Obaid Al Qattami has been invited to view the museum, and they would do their best to try and encourage changes to the curriculum, she said.

The museum, which is the first women's museum in the Arab world, was funded by Ghubash without any private or government investment. Ghubash, who grew up in the Old Gold Souk neighbourhood, bought the piece of land, located in Deira, six years ago and began the project to preserve the cultural history of the area.

"The whole idea was to create a cultural activity in this region because this is the heart of Dubai, but people forget this area so I wanted to bring them back here with something...it is sad this (local) generation is disappearing...it's a normal process, but it does have psychological effects on us.”

The land was where a house she remembered from her childhood had been known as Bait Al Banat, (The Girls House), which housed three unmarried women.

"They were called girls...right up to the age of 70.

"This triggered the idea to make it a women's museum.”

She visited another women's museum in Copenhagen in 2006, but found it "totally different to what I had in my mind”.

"I'm here to show the positive aspect of our history...there it seemed to be women fighting with men... it was the history of war between men and women.

"My feeling of freedom is inside me. It's not up to the government or men to give it to me.”

The museum foregrounds the political, economic and intellectual achievements of women, rather than just what people first assumed it would be about — perfume, makeup and clothes, she said.

Donated artefacts include photos from those living in the area and the first lady photographer in the souk area, a series of passports from the 1950s until present, showing how women were able to read and write contrary to many expectations, and land documents showing how women bought and sold land, and had businesses, from as early as the late 1940s and 1950s. The progress of education is illustrated, beginning with the first Dubai girls school which opened in 1958, where enrolments were dismal until the late His Highness Sheikh Rashid Saeed Al Maktoum sent his daughter Shaikha Hessa, which saw enrolments soar to 490 that year.

Meanwhile in 1967, girls at the Khadija School were excluded from admission if they were too tall, until a local Shaikha protested. The exhibition also illustrates how many women from the 1950s onwards started construction companies, dealt in real estate and ran taxi companies — all from their homes.

The second floor includes a women's studies centre, featuring walls covered with bookcases full of literature written by Emirati women, and a gallery featuring local and international work by both men and women.

Ghubash is currently negotiating for more space to expand the museum, as well as working on an encyclopaedia of women's stories from around the region, including those working in "more modern careers like IT and engineering”, for which she "knocked on 800 doors” to find 300 subjects. – Khaleej Times

RETURN TO TOP | WAM UP TO THE MINUTE NEWS

Sheikh Zayed Book Award continues to drive interest for nominations in its 2013/2014 session

posted on 19/06/2013

An assembly of Arab novelists, literary figures and academics have already expressed their interest to participate in Sheikh Zayed Book Award's latest instalment, as the Award continues to drive interest for nominations in its 2013/2014 session.

Officials from Sheikh Zayed Book award were present during the meetings of the General Union of Arab Writers at its Permanent Bureau in Abu Dhabi between June 3 and 5 to distribute application forms to Arab novelists, writers and creative authors who attended. The Award also handed application forms to heads of Arab Writers Unions to be distributed to interested applicants in their respective countries. Applicants can also download the form online from the Award's website.

The collective monetary value of the Award's categories stands at around 2 million dollars. The Award opened the door to competition on the 15th of last month in nine categories, namely: Best Contribution to the Development of the Country, Children's Literature, The Young Author Award, Translation, Literature, Fine Arts, The Best Technology in the Field of Culture, Publishing and Distribution, and the Cultural Personality of the year Award. The nominations will be accepted through 15 September, 2013.

Once completed and signed, the application forms should be submitted to the Sheikh Zayed Book Award Offices along with the Candidate's Resume, Passport copy, Personal photo, and five copies of the nominated work in a book format - works nominated for the Award of "Publishing and Technology" can be in digital format.

For cultural personality of the year award, applicants should be nominated by academic, research and cultural institutions, by literary associations and universities or by three intellectually and culturally prominent figures. For the other eight categories, applicants are requested to fill in the Nomination Form in person. All nominated works must have been published in the last two years and shouldn't be previously awarded by an international/ prominent Prize. The work must be written in Arabic, except for works nominated for the Translation Award (they could be translated either from or to Arabic), and the works nominated for the newly devised category for "Arabic Culture in Other Languages" which can be in English, Italian or Russian for the Eighth session. – Emirates News Agency, WAM

RETURN TO TOP | WAM UP TO THE MINUTE NEWS

Khalifa University students win first place in "Senior Design Competition" at 8th IEEE UAE Student Day

posted on 19/06/2013

Khalifa University announced yesterday that four of its senior Electrical and Electronic Engineering students won first place in the "Senior Design Competition" held during the recent 8th annual Institute for Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) UAE Student Day held at Sharjah University.

Abdulla AlShehhi, Mohammad Luai A. Hammadih, Saif Alkindi and Mohammad Sami Zitouni won first place for their project entitled "Microphone Array for Audio Surveillance and Conferencing." In total, there were 70 projects and 251 participating students from 15 universities across the UAE at the Student Day.

There microphone array is based on the principle of beam forming, which refers to the ability to electronically capture sound from a certain direction, while suppressing sounds from other directions. The microphone system could be useful in meetings with multiple participants, as it would replace individual microphones for each meeting participant with single central device that can "listen" to each person individually. As the system is fully electronic and has no movable or mechanical parts, the acoustic surveillance is unobtrusive and unnoticeable by the target.

"We are proud of our student's achievement at the IEEE UAE Students Day," said Dr. Jay Noren, Khalifa University's Provost. "It's wonderful that our students are given opportunities to compete against their peers. Competitions like this one are a great way for graduating students to demonstrate their abilities in front of industry leaders and academic institutions, which will help pave the way to the next step in their lives, be it moving into the workforce or pursuing a post-graduate degree. Khalifa University strives to provide its students with a high quality education that prepares them to be industry leaders, when they win competitions like this one, it is a testament to our institution and tells us that we are achieving our goals, and helping to achieve the goals set out in the Abu Dhabi 2030 Vision." – Emirates News Agency, WAM

RETURN TO TOP | WAM UP TO THE MINUTE NEWS

Emirati students prepare to represent the nation

posted on 19/06/2013

The young diplomats and business leaders of the future are ready to represent their nation on an international stage.

The 42 Youth Ambassadors have been split into two groups to travel to South Korea and China for the next three weeks, where they will meet some of the Far East's influential figures.

Eighteen will jet off for China tomorrow, and the other 24 will travel to South Korea the following day. There are 25 women and 17 men, with an average age of 21.

The aim of the scheme set up by the Crown Prince's Court in Abu Dhabi is to "equip, develop and prepare young Emiratis to take on prominent roles in core sectors, lead key partnerships and strengthen engagement between the UAE and China and South Korea".

Chosen from Abu Dhabi universities, the ambassadors are expected to forge cultural, diplomatic and industry ties with the two nations, and improve their own international knowledge and language skills.

"I was very interested by the language and culture of the South Korean people, they seem to be very nice, and very disciplined," said Hamed Isa, who studies Korean at university.

"It is very honourable to be representing your country and to be chosen on behalf of others. It is a huge honour, but there are also huge responsibilities and I must be devoted and committed."

Mr Isa hopes the language barrier can be broken down, improving the relationship further.

Each applicant had to pass a rigorous process involving essay writing and interviews, to ensure they were the right candidates to represent the country around the world.

They had to be UAE nationals enrolled in a full-time undergraduate degree course and have a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Each ambassador began language training in February.

Mohammed Al Muhairi, who studied at Khalifa University, said: "I feel this will give me an experience I could not get anywhere else, it is a huge opportunity that I didn't want to miss.

"This is very important because we can compare our culture to theirs and benefit from it. We can see how their governments work and their good sides, and we can implement those in our country. It is good for both countries."

The groups will begin their trips with further language training, a government study tour, an industry tour and a cultural overview of their destinations.

Highlights for the team travelling to China include becoming acquainted with local customs in Beijing, exploring the Great Wall and site visits to Microsoft Asia's research centre and Huawei Technologies.

The South Korean team will also be given a taste of traditional culture, a tour of Samsung Electronics and a visit to Gangnam municipal government.

"It is an excellent project. I think it is very helpful to get the people of the two countries to know each other and to improve the relationship between them," said Wang Yongzhao from the Chinese embassy.

"For young people especially, this is important. The exchange of the Arabic and Chinese culture is excellent. The two countries have built a strategic cooperation and I think it is very very important for these ambassadors to visit and to make new friends in China."

The deputy director of the Asian Affairs Department, Mohamed Al Mairi, stressed to the ambassadors the importance of the relationship between the UAE and the region as a whole, and said a prosperous future will exist between the nations.

The trips will be followed by the Abu Dhabi film and production studio Image Nation, and a documentary charting the ambassadors' progress is planned for television release this year. – The National

RETURN TO TOP | WAM UP TO THE MINUTE NEWS

Abu Dhabi Neolithic sites could become heritage trail

posted on 19/06/2013

An island off the coast of Abu Dhabi where dozens of pre-historic settlements were found last year could be opened up to the public as part of a heritage trail.

An archaeological survey conducted last November on Gagha, a small uninhabited island off the coast of Al Gharbia, by scientists from the UK's University of Southampton, found more than 40 sites that indicate settlements dating back to Neolithic times.

Peter Sheehan, historic buildings manager at Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority, said excavation work was ongoing.

"It's essentially a process of investigation, preservation and presentation to the public. It would eventually be opened for visitation."

He said there was a possibility of one day including the island in a tourism trail that would encompass the emirate's key historic sites.

"There's an attempt to link up some of these sites so they can be used for historic trails," he said, although he declined to say exactly when that would happen.

"The work started last year and is continuing now. So it's a case of sooner rather than later."

The seven-day geophysical survey of the island was jointly carried out by Kris Strutt, of the University of Southampton. He said a major goal was to compare the results of the survey with one done in the early 1990s.

He said that although 40 sites had been discovered, including what appeared to be small enclosures like farmsteads, and cairns that indicate pre-Islamic sites, some of the sites that were there before had disappeared.

"There are some sites that have been affected, whether it is through natural erosion or through things like people having barbeques on the beach, or bulldozers doing things on the island," he said. "Certain sites have disappeared."

He said it was a good idea to at least excavate sites on the island to date them more accurately.

"Archaeology is a finite resource," he said. "Things do disappear and do erode, but it might be a good idea to do some excavation to get some form of a chronological handle on some of the things we surveyed." – The National

RETURN TO TOP | WAM UP TO THE MINUTE NEWS

Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation announces 4th UAE Ramadan Iftar Initiative

posted on 19/06/2013

The Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation (KBZF) is set to launch its fourth annual Ramadan Iftar Initiative, which was announced at a press conference yesterday in the Dusit Thani Hotel in Abu Dhabi.

The initiative benefits families of a lower income by encouraging them to prepare Iftar meals for Muslims throughout the UAE and providing them with the necessary ingredients for this benevolent initiative. While the project has been benefitting the UAE Muslim population since its inception, its aim is to foster togetherness and for all to rejoice in the true spirit of the Holy Month. The Khalifa bin Zayed Foundation aims to promote values of pride and honour by inspiring them to continue to make positive contributions to society essentially during the Holy Month of Ramadan.

This year's objective will be to distribute 58,700 Iftar meal packages per day throughout the UAE, amounting to 1.76 million packages for the whole of Ramadan. The number of participants targeted are 587 families from all over the UAE.

Due to the overwhelming response the initiative has gained since 2010 when it was launched in the western region of Abu Dhabi, it has increased momentum to spread all across the country and continues to intensify its efforts.

In addition, the Foundation aims to provide assistance throughout the nation to UAE families in need by encouraging the setting up of businesses that would facilitate financial independence and bring about a better future for upcoming generations. The Foundation also focuses on the acquiring of new and productive skills to help those of lower income bring about adequate change and foster better living standards.

Many success stories have begun to crop up as a result of this initiative, which have added to the enthusiasm of the Khalifa bin Zayed Foundation team, also motivating future partakers of this initiative.

Mohamed Haji Al Khouri, Director-General of the Khalifa bin Zayed Foundation, said, "We are constantly on the lookout for opportunities to help lower income families by sourcing out creative and sustainable projects that provide them with the necessary long term financial support.' He added that the continued success that the Khalifa bin Zayed Foundation has faced with this initiative in recent times is a matter of great pride and one that will continue through the years, and will lay the groundwork for a greater bond with its strategic partners, namely the Department of Municipal Affairs, the General Directorate of Civil Defence, Emirates Transportation, and ADNOC. The initiative is sponsored by Al Hilal Bank, Emirates Post Group, Higher Corporation for Specialized Economic Zones - ZoneCorp, ADCO, Gasco and Al Hosn Gas, and its press conference sponsors are Dusit Thani and Dhabia General Trade With the Holy Month of Ramadan approaching, the Foundation continues in its endeavour to promote peace and goodwill by promoting initiatives that are focused toward the betterment of financially challenged UAE families. The Ramadan Iftar Initiative is fully centred on the principles of equality, brotherhood, and concern for all, irrespective of their social standing, and the Foundation will consistently work towards creating numerous opportunities to help stabilize and bring about a more secure and prosperous tomorrow for UAE families in need.

The Foundation is also actively involved in various international projects and initiatives around the globe, in its objectives to bring about vital change and assist in areas that are in dire need of aid, aspiring to spread the spirit of the Holy Month as part of its fundamental objective. – Emirates News Agency, WAM

RETURN TO TOP | WAM UP TO THE MINUTE NEWS

6th RCA convoy arrives in Jordan for Syrian refugees

posted on 19/06/2013

Amman: The 6th RCA land convoy carrying relief goods for Syrian refugees has arrived in Jordan as part of the campaign to alleviate their suffering and improve humanitarian conditions. The convoy includes six trucks, carrying 150 tons of diversified relief materials, including clothing, bedding, dates and children basic needs. Deputy Secretary-General for Relief and Projects at the RCA, Naima Eid Al Muhairi, said that the relief items will be directed to the refugees of the UAE-Jordanian 'Mrejib Al Fhood' Camp for Syrian Refugees in order to support the camp in accommodation, living and other basic services. She affirmed that the convoy comes as a continuation of relief operations for the benefit of refugees, pointing out that the RCA was keen to provide basic needs for them. She highlighted that the RCA is working to keep up with humanitarian developments for the refugees in both Jordan and Lebanon, in addition to activating mechanisms and harnessing potential to reach the largest number of refugees. – Emirates News Agency, WAM

RETURN TO TOP | WAM UP TO THE MINUTE NEWS

NCEMA, Australian Government sign MoU

posted on 19/06/2013

National Emergency and Crisis Management Authority (NCEMA), yesterday signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Australia Director of Public Prosecution, Roger Wilkins.

The move comes in line with the efforts to activate joint international cooperation and bolster the existing partnership between the UAE and Australia as well.

The deal aims to coordinate and cooperate between the two parties in line with the laws of each party to further boost the emergency and crises management, as well as avoid them through exchange of knowledge and enhancement of capacities.

Mohammed Khalfan Al Rumaithi, Director General of the National Emergency and Crisis Management Authority (NCEMA) and Australia Director of Public Prosecution, Roger Wilkins signed the MoU.

The meeting was attended by Australian Ambassador to UAE Pablo Kang and Shahwan Suroor Al Dhaheri, NCEMA's Deputy Director General and others. – Emirates News Agency, WAM

RETURN TO TOP | WAM UP TO THE MINUTE NEWS

UAE tops in Arab world advertisement spending

posted on 19/06/2013

The UAE ranked first in the Arab world in advertising spending in the first quarter of this year, registering Dhs1.4 billion compared with Dhs1.32 billion in the same period last year, up by 6 per cent.

Saudi Arabia came second with Dhs1.24 billion, while Kuwait came third with Dhs774 million and Egypt in the fourth place with Dhs686 million. Qatar spent around Dhs418 million to come in the fifth place and Lebanon came sixth with Dhs374 million. The volume of spending in Oman stood at Dhs300 million, while Bahrain came in the last place, registering around Dhs73.4 million of the total volume of spending.

According to the statistics of the Pan Arab Research Centre (PARC), the total value of advertising spending in the GCC countries rose by 4.5 per cent to around Dhs4.2 billion in the first three months of this year, compared with around Dhs4 billion during the corresponding period last year.

The Arab advertising spending grew by 11 per cent from Dhs11.7 billion in the first quarter of 2012 to Dhs13 billion in the first three months of this year. The advertising spending in the Arab trans-border mass media (satellite channels and international newspapers) grew by 15 per cent to Dhs8.76 billion compared with around Dhs7.6 billion over the period of comparison.

TV advertisements received the lion's share of the total advertising spending in the Arab world during the first quarter of this year, accounting for 69 per cent or Dhs9 billion, followed by newspaper advertisements, which accounted for 21 per cent and were valued at Dhs2.9 billion and magazine advertisements, which accounted for 4.3 per cent and were valued at around Dhs573 million.

PARC statements showed that the volume of Arab advertising spending through outdoor advertisements stood at Dhs844 million during the first quarter of this year, while radio advertisements registered around Dhs110 million and cinema advertisements Dhs33 million.

Meanwhile, the UAE came second in the Arab world as the largest country hosting foreign direct investments (FDI) with US$9.6 billion, accounting for a share of 20.4 per cent.

Saudi Arabia came first with a share of 25 per cent of the total and flows of US$12.182 billion, while Lebanon came third with a share of 7.8 per cent and flows of US$3.678 billion and Algeria in the fourth place with a share of 6.2 per cent and flows of US$2.9 billion.

Morocco came fifth with a share of 6.1 per cent and flows of US$2.887 billion and Egypt sixth with a share of 5.9 per cent and flows of US$2.798 billion. – The Gulf Today

RETURN TO TOP | WAM UP TO THE MINUTE NEWS

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre honours winners of Spaces of Light Photography competition

posted on 19/06/2013

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre awarded the winners of the third season of Spaces of Light photography competition at a special ceremony held at the Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs.

Prizes amounting to Dh 250,000 were presented to six winners, three in each two categories. The event celebrated the art and aesthetics of architecture in Abu Dhabi.

Sultan Dahi Al Humairi, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Presidential Affairs for the Support Services Sector and Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre presented the awards and commemorative shields to the winners, who hailed from Malaysia, Kuwait, Iraq, Belarus, Slovenia and the Philippines.

The winners in each category were awarded Dh40,000, and a professional camera, while the runners up and second runners up each received Dh30,000 and Dh20,000 respectively. Additionally, the Emirates Palace, the architectural beauty of which was one of the categories in the competition, honoured the winners with numerous prizes including 2 Nights Stay for two in the hotel.

Edmond Teng Wei Ping from Malaysia won the first place in the general category Islamic Architectural Beauty of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Ahmad Abdul Redha Abdullah Akbar from Kuwait came second while Shoaib Hisham Khatab took the third place.

Victoria Venkaba of Belarus bagged the first prize in the specific category Architectural Beauty of the Emirates Palace. Beno Saradzic from Slovenia and Mary Grace from the Philippines became second and third respectively.

Yousif Al Obaidli, Director of the SZGMC, said, "The Spaces of Light Photography Competition, since its launch in October 2010, has made steady and confident steps towards success. The third season of this competition reinforced its global outlook, spreading the message of love and tolerance as envisaged by the founder of the UAE the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and continued by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE.

He informed that there were a total of 5500 entries in this season from more than 70 countries; 4100 were in the general category and 1400 in the specific category. More than 5000 people visited the website to make enquiries. There was an increase of 1000 participants in this season compared to 566 in the last, which drew in 500 entries from 50 countries. This shows a growing interest among photography enthusiasts around the world to showcase their talent against the backdrop of our culture and heritage.

During the award ceremony a documentary film about the Mosque narrating the history of its foundation in 1996 was screened. Scenes from the workshops as well as the winning images of the second season of the Spaces of Light were also shown.

Sultan Dahi Al Humairi honoured Dr. Jassim Al Awadi, Chairman of the Judging Committee, Adib Shaban, Mohamed Al Marzouqi and Omar Al Zaabi, who were members of the Committee. He opened the photography exhibition located in the lobby of the Emirates Palace which would last until 17August 2013.

The exhibition showcases winning entries of the third season of the Spaces of Light as well as some images selected by the judging committee.

Spaces of Light third season was launched on March 3 this year under the theme "Arts and Aesthetics of Architecture in Abu Dhabi". The competition in its first and second seasons focused only on the Art of Islamic Architecture in the Mosque. This year Emirates Palace was also included as a specific category. – Emirates News Agency, WAM

RETURN TO TOP | WAM UP TO THE MINUTE NEWS

Mohammed bin Rashid crowned winner of St James's Palace Stakes

posted on 19/06/2013

London: Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum was crowned winner of the mile G1 St James's Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot, Britain yesterday.

Trained by Jim Bolger, Kevin Manning led Godolphin's Dawn Approach to win the 350 thousand- dramatic race by a short-head.

The event was attended by Dubai Crown Prince H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Deputy Ruler and Finance Minister H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Wife of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid HRH Princess Haya bint Al Hussein, Queen Elizabeth II of Britain, members of the British Royal family, and a number of sheikhs.

Sheikh Mohammed received the winner's trophy from Queen Elizabeth II of Britain. – Emirates News Agency, WAM

RETURN TO TOP | WAM UP TO THE MINUTE NEWS

Omar named tournament ambassador for Fifa U-17 World Cup 2013

posted on 19/06/2013

Emirati football star, Omar Abdulrahman, has been officially appointed by the Local Organising Committee (LOC) as the tournament ambassador for the Fifa U-17 World Cup UAE 2013, which takes place from October 17 to November 8.

The signing of the UAE and Al Ain Football Club midfielder is considered an invaluable addition to the promotion of the event on both a regional and international scale. As tournament ambassador Abdulrahman will support both Fifa and LOC's efforts in marketing the tournament and will also be lending his support to the UAE U-17 team during the build-up to the tournament. Tournament Director, Mohammed Abdulla bin Bdoua, is delighted to welcome Omar on-board and is confident that the Emirati star has what it takes to advocate the tournament globally.

"The Fifa U-17 World Cup has undoubtedly been the birthplace of many of today's football legends – the likes of Ronaldinho (Brazil), Luis Figo (Portugal), Alessandro Del Piero (Italy) and many more started their careers playing at under 17 level. Omar will play a significant role in the legacy of this event which goes far beyond the UAE's stadiums.”

Abdulrahman is ready to inspire fans around the GCC and pass on his invaluable knowledge to the UAE's rising stars, especially after he made his mark at the London 2012 Olympic Games where his performance earned him widespread recognition in the first ever UAE U-23 qualification.

Omar Abdulrahman commented, "It is really exciting to be appointed as the tournament ambassador for the FIFA U-17 World Cup – to be involved in the biggest football event in the history of the UAE is a real privilege. I have been lucky enough to play for the UAE since 2008 and have also represented this nation at the London 2012 Olympic Games so I'm very aware of the passion that exists for the game in the Emirates. I'm looking forward to meeting plenty of fans and aspiring players over the coming months, and want to transfer my knowledge and passion for the game to the next generation of football stars as much as possible.

This is not only a tournament for all 24 qualifying teams; it's the people's tournament. Everyone from football fans to families is welcome to come down and support their nation. I can't wait to see fans from all around the world fill up the stadiums of the UAE in October-November.” added the midfielder who was recently crowned both Emirati Player of the Year and Fans' Player of the Year.

With less than five months until the largest football event in the history of the UAE, attention turns to tickets for the competition which are expected to go on sale from June 2013.

A total of 52 matches will be played over a three-week period in six of the UAE's top stadiums — Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, Khalifa bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain, Emirates Stadium in Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah Stadium in Fujairah, Sharjah Stadium in Sharjah and Rashid Stadium in Dubai.

The final 24 qualified nations will begin the tournament in six groups of four, with the top two teams in each group automatically qualifying for the Round of 16. The four best third-placed teams from the Group stages will also progress to the knock-out stages.

The official draw will take place on August 26, to determine the groups and group stage fixtures. For more information visit www.fifa.com/u17worldcup. - Khaleej Times

RETURN TO TOP | WAM UP TO THE MINUTE NEWS

Al Ketbi relishes delivery of new R5

posted on 19/06/2013

Skydive Dubai Rally Team driver Rashid Al Ketbi and German co-driver Karina Hepperle have entered this weekend's Rally d'Italia Sardegna, round seven of the 2013 FIA World Rally Championship, to gain more experience of top flight rallying in readiness for the delivery of their brand new M-Sport-prepared Ford Fiesta R5 in July. The Sardinia-based event runs from June 20-22.

"We are looking forward to driving in Sardinia — not to score points in WRC2 but to gain a bit more experience and have some fun before we take delivery of the new R5 in July,” said Al Ketbi. "The car was launched recently and I am looking forward to getting hold of it before Rally Finland.”

The R5 has been built by M-Sport in the UK and is scheduled to be homologated by the FIA on July 1st. British driver Elfyn Evans is set to drive a factory version in Finland. The four-wheel drive Fiesta is powered by a turbocharged 1600cc engine and will compete in the WRC 2 category alongside Super 2000 and Regional Rally Cars (RRCs). Skoda, Peugeot and Citroën are also developing R5 cars.

"With a proper driver this car is going to surprise a lot of people,” said M-Sport director Malcolm Wilson. "It's going to be quicker everywhere than a Super 2000 car and a lot of places it will be quicker than a regional car.”

Qatar's Abdulaziz Al Kuwari currently holds a nine-point lead in the WRC2 category from Peruvian Nicolas Fuchs, while Volkswagen Motorsport's Sébastien Ogier has a 52-point advantage over Finnish colleague Jari-Matti Latvala in the main Drivers' Championship standings. All four drivers line up alongside Al-Ketbi this weekend in an entry list that includes 14 World Rally Cars in a list of 56 entrants.

Rally d'Italia Sardegna has switched from a four to a two-day format and gets underway on Thursday morning with the Monte Pinu qualifying stage and the ceremonial start from the historic town of Sassari in the evening.

Friday's action begins from the service park in Olbia and features a series of special stages en route to Sassari and the northern town of Castelsardo. - Khaleej Times

RETURN TO TOP | WAM UP TO THE MINUTE NEWS

UAE to host selection event for FIA Institute Young Driver Excellence Academy programme

posted on 19/06/2013

The UAE is to play a key role in a new global motor sport initiative to identify some of the world's top young driving talent and turn them into future world champions.

One of five regional selection events held to deliver eight of the best young drivers in the world into the revamped FIA Institute Young Driver Excellence Academy will be staged in the UAE from Sept.22-25.

Up to 26 national motor sport authorities from across the Middle East and North Africa and beyond will each send a nominated driver to the UAE.

The best drivers from the UAE event, and the others being held for Europe, Africa, Asia-Pacific and the Americas, will enter the full Academy programme along with three wild card selections.

The programme aims to find and develop the next generation of world motorsport champions. It will feature training events at locations across Europe over the following season.

The UAE was chosen to stage the MENA event on the basis of its achievements as one of only five Regional Training Providers on behalf the FIA, motor sport's governing body. For geographical and logistical reasons, the MENA selection event has been expanded to 26 nations and will also include Georgia, Armenia, Turkey, Ukraine, Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan.

"This is a very important step in the development of the world's best young driving talent,” said Dr Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the Automobile and Touring Club of the UAE. "We're proud to have been chosen to play our part in identifying the cream of the world's best young driving talent, and creating the champions of the future.”

The original format of the FIA Institute Young Driver Excellence Academy allowed for the training of around 30 drivers in the 2010-11 and 2011-12 seasons, with about half of these taking part in the full academy programme.

The format was revised based on recommendations from the MENA assembly of motor sport authorities in Doha in February.

"This new structure will see a much greater uptake than before, particularly from developing countries,” said Sulayem, the FIA Vice President. The ATCUAE will shortly announce its own candidate for the regional selection event, and confirm the venue.

Already, the Academy has sent an alumnus of drivers on their way to the top. The 2011 Academy graduate, Alexander Rossi, recently scored his first podium in GP2 for the Caterham team, and the American has also become one of the reserve drivers for the F1 team.

The UAE's Mohammed Al Mutawaa, who became the first Arab driver to be admitted into the Academy in 2012, has since become part of the new Abu Dhabi Racing team in the FIA Middle East Rally Championship.

He said: "The training and exposure that the Academy gave me has not only made me a faster driver while competing, but has helped me mature as a person. I'll always be grateful to the ATCUAE for nominating and sponsoring me.” – The Gulf Today

RETURN TO TOP | WAM UP TO THE MINUTE NEWS

UAE to participate in Italian International Fashion Week 2013 in Rome

posted on 19/06/2013

Zari O'Breesam, one of the renowned Emirati fashion brands that has become a global name in a record period, has announced its participation in the Italian International Fashion Week, as part of the UAE's participation in the event.

"The UAE's inclusion in the show, which will be held in the first week of July in Rome, has been hailed by the regional fashion industry, reinforcing the country's position as a key exporter of fashion", said Nazek Al Sabbagh, an Emirati fashion designer and founder of the Zari O'Breesam brand.

Arab participation in the Italian International Fashion Week will be highlighted through the Fashion Arabia event, the first of its kind to showcase the Arab fashion industry to the world.

Prior to its participation, Zari O'Breesam has run an international road-show over the past few months in London, Dubai and Manama, and raised funds for community institutions, like Dubai Women's Association and the Children and Mothers Welfare Society in Bahrain.

Fashion Arabia will attract leading Arab and European personalities as well as diplomatic figures, specialists and major fashion companies.

The name Zari O'Breesam combines two Arabic words: Zari which is golden or silver threads, and Breesam, silk threads with bright colours. The brand boasts excellent knowledge of the local culture and traditions and all designs are a blend of heritage and modernism. – Emirates News Agency, WAM

RETURN TO TOP | WAM UP TO THE MINUTE NEWS