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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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