Monday, 3 June 2013

Google for Entrepreneurs and AstroLabs Boost Dubai Startups @google @AstrolabsME



Google For Entrepreneurs hosted workshops for UAE-based entrepreneurs and startups at the Google offices in Dubai. The workshops were a joint-effort between Google and AstroLabs. The goal of the workshops was to provide the most promising startups with mentorship and help create a network of communication between entrepreneurs.

The project aims to create networks of communication within the Arab world to provide entrepreneurs with the opportunity to learn from one another and share their challenges and solutions.
 
The workshops discussed delivering premium customer service, digital marketing campaigns, best practices on AdWords among other topics of interest to startups. Chris Schroeder, an investor, entrepreneur and author on MENA-based startups joined the workshops via Google+ Hangouts where he provided his insights and expertise to the audience.

The interactive workshops also featured presentations by Google executives, as well as representatives from PayPal and Qualcomm among others. The various entrepreneurs in attendance came from diverse backgrounds with nearly half of all present being women. Several promising startups from Dubai included Duplays, Restronaught, Glambox, Nabbesh, Noviplus, Ananasa, and more.

The collaboration between Google and AstroLabs regarding the entrepreneurs-focused series stems from the belief that startups form the cornerstone of healthy economies around the world. The workshops aim to educate, integrate and fund high-potential startups across the Arab region by providing case studies, interactive discussions and best practices to entrepreneurs.

For more information about the workshops, please visit the Google+ blogpost posted by Wassim Kabbara, Industry Head, the Gulf, Google.



Are your kisses cruelty free? @LushLtd #crueltyfreekisses

ARE YOUR KISSES CRUELTY FREE?
International Kissing Day Saturday 6th July 2013
We Believe in #crueltyfreekisses
In celebration of International Kissing Day on Saturday 6th July 2013 Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetics are attempting to set the new Guinness World Record of the most lip prints collected in 12 consecutive hours.  And we want them to be cruelty free, as we believe all kisses should be!
Join us on Saturday 6th July 2013 at the LUSH Dubai Mall shop from 2pm- 10 pm to take part in this record breaking attempt! 
Customers will be able to prep their lips in-store with our cruelty free and preservative free range of products.  Start by scrubbing away any dried skin with a Lip Scrub (55aed); choose from three flavours but each with a gentle exfoliating base of castor sugar and softening jojoba oil.  Then moisturise lips with one of our new preservative free and aerated Lip Balms (all 55aed), choose from the classic Lip Service; chocolate orange Whipstick; the vanilla, peppermint and honey flavoured Honey Trap; or the vegan None of Your Beeswax.
Then pucker up for some long-lasting, moisturising colour from the Emotional Brilliance range.  Celebrating its first birthday in July 2013, Emotional Brilliance offers a range of lip and eye colours (85aed) that offer emotional support as well as show-stopping colour that’s actually good for your skin. 
The Liquid Lips collection is 100% vegan and has a super moisturising base of jojoba oil, candelilla wax and rose wax.  With 13 colours to choose from, we Believe (matt pink) in being Passionate (florescent pink) about #crueltyfreekisses and it’s our Ambition (roaring twenties red) to Drive (mauve, liliac) as many people as possible to feel as Strong(ly) (a coral red) as we do.  We are Confident (beautiful wine berry) that you will!
Come and help us beat the record!  To find your nearest Lush store and for LUSH Online www.lush.ae

Follow @LushLtd on Twitter and tweet your pictures of our Guinness world Record attempt #crueltyfreekisses 

City Centre malls in the Northern Emirates report double digit growth @FujairahCityCtr @SharjahCityCtr @FujCC


·         Fujairah City Centre reports 15% increase in weekend footfall; Sharjah City Centre more than 11% increase in sales; 7% in traffic

·         Reflects growth aspirations and healthy retail landscape for Sharjah and Fujairah emirates

·         Fujairah City Centre & Sharjah City Centre to host unique ‘Pick-Your-Pack’ summer promotion to maintain the momentum this summer


The retail landscape in the northern emirates is growing at a healthy pace, as Fujairah City Centre and Sharjah City Centre have both reported double digit increases in visitation this year. Weekends at Fujairah City Centre in particular have witnessed positive growth, with a notable 15% increase in traffic as a result of greater number of tourists and the opening of VOX Cinemas. Sharjah City Centre has seen a 7% increase in overall footfall over the same time last year, and a strong 11% boost in sales. Sharjah City Centre also recently announced that it received more than 18,000 tourists on its shuttle buses in Q1 this year, and is on track to meet its goal of 45,000 tourists for 2013 – almost double the amount in 2012. With summer in effect, Fujairah City Centre and Sharjah City Centre have joined hands to create a unique shopping extravaganza called ‘Pick-Your-Pack’ to maintain this positive growth throughout the season.

“Summer is a time to spend with family, and we are celebrating the importance of this through the variety of family-focused prizes in the ‘Pick-Your-Pack’ campaign,” said Majed Al Fahim, Senior Manager for Fujairah City Centre. “We welcome a number of families to all of our malls in the Northern Emirates and a growing number of tourists on the weekends, and are excited to have a summer promotion specifically tailored to family and to thank frequent shoppers for their ongoing support.”


 “We are pleased to announce the positive increase in sales and footfall in the first half of this year at Sharjah City Centre, and we are looking forward to welcoming additional visitors this summer,” said Abudulhamid Bukhashem, Senior Manager for Sharjah City Centre. “To thank our loyal shoppers, the summer bonanza will feature a wide range of specials, discounts and unique prizes, providing unmatched shopping deals and chances to win a summer experience of their choice.”

The ‘Pick-Your-Pack’ promotion provides customers with three unique winning opportunities. From June 1st to 30th any purchase of AED150 from a wide range of retail stores at Fujairah City Centre and Sharjah City Centre entitles shoppers the chance to win the daily draw and pick one of three amazing summer packages.  Adding to the excitement, a grand prize draw will be held, and the lucky winner can choose from a Motorhome, a living accommodation combined with a vehicle engine equipped with amenities found in a house such as kitchen and living room, a brand new Audi Q7 or gift cards worth AED 300,000, as a prize.

Every day for the entire month of June, Fujairah City Centre and Sharjah City Centre will be giving away the choice of one of three daily summer packages:  ‘Traveler Package,’ perfect for friends or couples and offers two tickets to any destination via Air Arabia with a gift card worth AED500; the ‘Family Fun Package,’ which offers a two night weekend stay at the Sheraton Hotel - Mall of the Emirates for two adults and two children with dining vouchers worth AED500 as well as four VOX Gold movie tickets; and the ‘Kids Package’ which offers a Magic Planet card loaded with AED 500, entry passes for four to Ski Dubai’s Snow Park  and Penguin Encounter and four movie tickets to VOX Cinemas.

Lucky shoppers can choose how they want to spend their holidays, from travelling to a favourite summer destination, spending a weekend at a five-star hotel, filling a range of fun activities and summer entertainment for the kids, grazing through the desert dunes with a motor home or a brand new four-wheel drive, or just simply load up the savings for a day of indulgence.

Residents can enjoy extended shopping hours at Fujairah City Centre with the mall open an additional hour to 11:00pm on weekdays and to 12:00 midnight on weekends. Sharjah City Centre also offers more shopping opportunities with opening hours to 12:00 midnight on weekends.


For more information please visit the Facebook pages:  www.facebook.com/FujairahCityCentre and www.Facebook.com/sharjahcitycentre   

@DeiraCityCtr, @MallofEmirates and @MirdifCityCtr Set to Make a Summer Splash this Dubai Summer Surprises

Deira City Centre, Mall of the Emirates and Mirdif City Centre Set to Make a Summer Splash this Dubai Summer Surprises
AED 1 Million Total in Prizes, Extended Hours and World-Class Entertainment June 7th – July 7th

A whirlwind of unbeatable prizes and world-class entertainment are coming to Dubai in June and it’s all in celebration of the ‘Summer Is Dubai’ campaign for Dubai Summer Surprises. As part of the campaign shoppers are invited to all three Dubai-based malls – Deira City Centre, Mall of the Emirates and Mirdif City Centre – to experience some of the best fun, family-focused activities the region’s largest summer festival has to offer, including the chance to win AED 250,000 weekly, and up to AED 1 million total, in prizes!  
“Majid Al Futtaim Properties is pleased to once again be a strategic partner with the Dubai Festivals & Retail Establishment for Dubai Summer Surprises. Now in its 16th year, the shopping promotions and entertainment have always outdone the following year, and this year is no exception,” said Hussain Moosa, Associate Director for Majid Al Futtaim Properties. “Summer is a key time of the year to spend time with family both for residents and tourists we are welcoming to the city. Dubai Summer Surprises is a unique way to combine shopping, dining and entertainment for visitors, and we look forward to welcoming guests at all three of our malls in Dubai – Mall of the Emirates, Deira City Centre, and Mirdif City Centre for an un-matched shopping and entertainment experience this summer.”
Starting June 7th until July 7th, shoppers visiting Mall of the Emirates, Deira City Centre or Mirdif City Centre can enter to win the weekly draw of AED 250,000 by spending AED 300 at any store inside any of the three malls. As the premiere destination in Dubai for luxury fashion, Mall of the Emirates is rewarding all fashionistas for shopping AED 600 on the latest style trends from any of the malls 560+ stores with the chance to win a trip to one of the fashion capitals of the world. Winners will receive first-class tickets and five star accommodations in London, Paris and New York – allowing visitors to travel in celebrity style.
Najm Visa credit card holders can shop worry-free this Dubai Summer Surprises with a joint promotion between Majid Al Futtaim Finance and Majid Al Futtaim Properties shopping malls across the UAE. Card holders who shop AED 500 in one transaction are eligible for a one-month payment holiday and to pay for their purchases in small, manageable increments with 0% interest for six months!

Adding to the festivities this Dubai Summer Surprises, a non-stop program of family entertainment is scheduled at all three malls. Deira City Centre, Mall of the Emirates and Mirdif City Centre are also extending the fun with longer operating hours, staying open from 10am – 12:00am midnight on weekdays and 10am - 1am on weekends.
At Mall of the Emirates kids can watch the popular ‘Bananas in Pyjamas’ pair perform live, kicking off the first five days of Dubai Summer Surprises, June 7th to 11th. The larger-than-life characters will sing, dance and interact in a fun show for the entire family to enjoy. Adding to the excitement, the Xtreme Festival is coming to town complete with trampolines, stilt walkers, jugglers and acrobats performing for visitors. Starting June 7th, and every Tuesday through Sunday onwards, the circus will show off their tricks in three unique 20 minute shows, “Xtreme Festival,” “Bed Time Stories,” and “Treasure Box.” Performances will be 4:30pm, 6:00pm and 8:30pm Thursday, Friday and Saturday; and 4:30pm and 7:00pm Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday – promising a chance for everyone to witness some of the world-class stunts.
Deira City Centre and Mirdif City Centre are bringing one of the most well-known lovable felines around – Garfield, to the malls this Dubai Summer Surprises. Performing his ‘Happy Birthday to Me’ stage show, audiences will participate in a musical celebration while Garfield decides to throw his own surprise birthday party. Garfield will start off at Mirdif City Centre from June 7th to 13th, before heading to Deira City Centre from June 18th to 24th to amuse families.
Shoppers will transported into a jungle at Mirdif City Centre during the world-class Jungle Circus, featuring 40 of Africa’s finest acrobats, aerial artists, contortionists, musicians and more performing astounding acts of energy, flexibility and strength. From June 14th to 19th, the Jungle Circus will captivate families with three 30-45 minute shows daily. As a special weekend treat, the Smurfs are coming to indoor family entertainment centre, Playnation, for an exclusive show and meet-and-greet with young fans. Starting June 22nd, the Smurf family will greet children Thursday through Saturday, until July 7th.
The sweetest girl around, Strawberry Shortcake, will make a special appearance to meet her friends at Deira City Centre from July 1st to 7th. Miss Shortcake will perform and interactive show for families to enjoy.

Additional roaming entertainment will also take place throughout Dubai Summer Surprises to keep families entertained all month long. For more information about what the cities favourite malls are doing this Dubai Summer Surprises visit Facebook.com/MalloftheEmirates, Facebook.com/DeiraCityCentre, Facebook.com/MirdifCityCentre.

Deira City Centre, Mall of the Emirates and Mirdif City Centre Set to Make a Summer Splash this Dubai Summer Surprises

Deira City Centre, Mall of the Emirates and Mirdif City Centre Set to Make a Summer Splash this Dubai Summer Surprises
AED 1 Million Total in Prizes, Extended Hours and World-Class Entertainment June 7th – July 7th

Dubai, UAE – 3 June 2013 – A whirlwind of unbeatable prizes and world-class entertainment are coming to Dubai in June and it’s all in celebration of the ‘Summer Is Dubai’ campaign for Dubai Summer Surprises. As part of the campaign shoppers are invited to all three Dubai-based malls – Deira City Centre, Mall of the Emirates and Mirdif City Centre – to experience some of the best fun, family-focused activities the region’s largest summer festival has to offer, including the chance to win AED 250,000 weekly, and up to AED 1 million total, in prizes!  
“Majid Al Futtaim Properties is pleased to once again be a strategic partner with the Dubai Festivals & Retail Establishment for Dubai Summer Surprises. Now in its 16th year, the shopping promotions and entertainment have always outdone the following year, and this year is no exception,” said Hussain Moosa, Associate Director for Majid Al Futtaim Properties. “Summer is a key time of the year to spend time with family both for residents and tourists we are welcoming to the city. Dubai Summer Surprises is a unique way to combine shopping, dining and entertainment for visitors, and we look forward to welcoming guests at all three of our malls in Dubai – Mall of the Emirates, Deira City Centre, and Mirdif City Centre for an un-matched shopping and entertainment experience this summer.”
Starting June 7th until July 7th, shoppers visiting Mall of the Emirates, Deira City Centre or Mirdif City Centre can enter to win the weekly draw of AED 250,000 by spending AED 300 at any store inside any of the three malls. As the premiere destination in Dubai for luxury fashion, Mall of the Emirates is rewarding all fashionistas for shopping AED 600 on the latest style trends from any of the malls 560+ stores with the chance to win a trip to one of the fashion capitals of the world. Winners will receive first-class tickets and five star accommodations in London, Paris and New York – allowing visitors to travel in celebrity style.
Najm Visa credit card holders can shop worry-free this Dubai Summer Surprises with a joint promotion between Majid Al Futtaim Finance and Majid Al Futtaim Properties shopping malls across the UAE. Card holders who shop AED 500 in one transaction are eligible for a one-month payment holiday and to pay for their purchases in small, manageable increments with 0% interest for six months!

Adding to the festivities this Dubai Summer Surprises, a non-stop program of family entertainment is scheduled at all three malls. Deira City Centre, Mall of the Emirates and Mirdif City Centre are also extending the fun with longer operating hours, staying open from 10am – 12:00am midnight on weekdays and 10am - 1am on weekends.
At Mall of the Emirates kids can watch the popular ‘Bananas in Pyjamas’ pair perform live, kicking off the first five days of Dubai Summer Surprises, June 7th to 11th. The larger-than-life characters will sing, dance and interact in a fun show for the entire family to enjoy. Adding to the excitement, the Xtreme Festival is coming to town complete with trampolines, stilt walkers, jugglers and acrobats performing for visitors. Starting June 7th, and every Tuesday through Sunday onwards, the circus will show off their tricks in three unique 20 minute shows, “Xtreme Festival,” “Bed Time Stories,” and “Treasure Box.” Performances will be 4:30pm, 6:00pm and 8:30pm Thursday, Friday and Saturday; and 4:30pm and 7:00pm Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday – promising a chance for everyone to witness some of the world-class stunts.
Deira City Centre and Mirdif City Centre are bringing one of the most well-known lovable felines around – Garfield, to the malls this Dubai Summer Surprises. Performing his ‘Happy Birthday to Me’ stage show, audiences will participate in a musical celebration while Garfield decides to throw his own surprise birthday party. Garfield will start off at Mirdif City Centre from June 7th to 13th, before heading to Deira City Centre from June 18th to 24th to amuse families.
Shoppers will transported into a jungle at Mirdif City Centre during the world-class Jungle Circus, featuring 40 of Africa’s finest acrobats, aerial artists, contortionists, musicians and more performing astounding acts of energy, flexibility and strength. From June 14th to 19th, the Jungle Circus will captivate families with three 30-45 minute shows daily. As a special weekend treat, the Smurfs are coming to indoor family entertainment centre, Playnation, for an exclusive show and meet-and-greet with young fans. Starting June 22nd, the Smurf family will greet children Thursday through Saturday, until July 7th.
The sweetest girl around, Strawberry Shortcake, will make a special appearance to meet her friends at Deira City Centre from July 1st to 7th. Miss Shortcake will perform and interactive show for families to enjoy.

Additional roaming entertainment will also take place throughout Dubai Summer Surprises to keep families entertained all month long. For more information about what the cities favourite malls are doing this Dubai Summer Surprises visit Facebook.com/MalloftheEmirates, Facebook.com/DeiraCityCentre, Facebook.com/MirdifCityCentre.

Sunday, 2 June 2013

TEAM PINNACLE FROM MIDDLESEX UNIVERSITY CROWNED THE CIMA @CIMA_News GCC REGION GLOBAL BUSINESS CHALLENGE CHAMPIONS



Middlesex University students have triumphed in the GCC regional final of the CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants) 2013 Global Business Challenge.

Team Pinnacle wins GBC 2013
Pinnacle will now represent the GCC region at the global final in Johannesburg, South Africa, on 28 and 29 August, which promises to be a thrilling event. The 2013 CIMA GBC is an international business management and finance competition designed to bring out the very best in the next generation of business leaders by analysing a real life scenario and presenting innovative solutions.

This year, over 100 teams from 24 universities across the GCC, including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman, registered to take part in the competition. The six finalist teams were Pearls Consulting from the Higher Colleges of Technology, Pinnacle from Middlesex University, UOWD Challengers from the University of Wollongong – Dubai, Bolton RAK from the University of Bolton - Ras Al Khaimah, The Intellect Mob from Manipal University – Dubai and Hawks Consultancy Service from the Heriot Watt University Dubai Campus.

Pinnacle competed against the best teams in the country at the regional final to become the GCC champions and secure a place at the global final. The teams were judged on the methodology used in their case study, the feasibility of their ideas and the overall presentation. Team Pinnacle was most impressive and a worthy winner. Each member of the team won a DSLR camera with a fully loaded kit that included an extra lens and memory card, as well as a chance to pit their business skills against students from around the world at the global final.

Chitra Idnani of Team Pinnacle said of their achievement:
“We came into this knowing that the competition was going to be tough and worked really hard over the past two weeks to finalize our presentation. Our team has a combination of finance experience and strategic specialties that we were able to use to our advantage with the help of our mentor, Dr. Vijaya Kumar. We’re so happy that our dedication paid off! The team is very excited to compete globally in Johannesburg and hope to bring back the title to the GCC and to Middlesex University.”

Geetu Ahuja, Head of GCC – Middle East at CIMA, added:
“CIMA is very proud of Pinnacle’s achievement in winning the regional round of the 2013 CIMA GBC. Pinnacle presented a superb case with innovative thinking and great attention to detail; their place in the global final is thoroughly deserved.
“The standard of this year’s competition was higher than ever and these students are well on their way to becoming tomorrow’s high flyers. CIMA trains business leaders, and currently has over 203,000 members and students in 173 countries. I am sure Pinnacle will perform fantastically at the global final in South Africa and hopefully bring the trophy home to the GCC for the first time.”

Andrew Harding, FCMA, CGMA, Managing Director of CIMA, also stated:
“After the phenomenal success of last year’s competition, CIMA is very excited to be organising the fifth GBC. The fact that South Africa is hosting the global final, and that we have three new countries entering teams - Zimbabwe, Myanmar and Thailand – illustrates the competition’s growing international appeal. This is further evidence of CIMA’s ever expanding global footprint, and the competition represents a real opportunity to showcase the business leaders of the future.”

CIMA will fly Pinnacle to the global final along with each winning team from Australia, Bangladesh, Mainland China, Ghana, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, New Zealand, Pakistan, the Philippines, Poland, Russia, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Thailand, the UK, Vietnam, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Once there, they will battle it out to become the ‘Global Champion’ by presenting a business case to an audience of CIMA delegates and a judging panel of renowned business experts. The CIMA GBC provides students with a great opportunity to test the depth of their business and financial knowledge and compete against the best and brightest of their peers around the world. In addition, it has previously led to internship opportunities with numerous global companies. CIMA offers an international qualification in management accountancy and is the world’s leading and largest management accounting professional body.

Follow the GBC experience and support your team on Facebook. Students can share pictures, upload videos and get involved in discussions www.cimaglobal.com/gbcfacebook.
For further information and to register for 2014 please visit the CIMA GBC website at www.cimaglobal.com/gbc


Auris Plaza Hotel Launches Turkish Food Festival for Ramadan

Brigade of Chefs from the Culinary Arts Academy of Istanbul Celebrate Gourmet Ottoman Specialities Throughout the Holy Month

From left - De Wet Van Der Westhuizen Executive Chef Auris Plaza Hotel
 with Cem Erol Executive Instructor Chef Culinary Arts Academy Istanbul
Auris Plaza Hotel Dubai and the Culinary Arts Academy of Istanbul have joined together for the first time to celebrate Ottoman cuisine in Dubai with the launch of the Turkish Food Festival. To be celebrated throughout the Holy Month of Ramadan in 2013, the culinary festival will offer special Turkish Iftar buffets with live cooking stations and traditional Turkish treats, and will provide for the first time a showcase platform for the Culinary Arts Academy of Istanbul to promote Turkish cuisine within the United Arab Emirates. Ottoman Iftar specialities, Turkish regional dishes and authentic Turkish produce and culinary traditions will be the highlight of the festival, with the Auris Plaza Hotel to provide a welcome setting and friendly hospitality service for families, couples, groups and food connoisseurs to enjoy the cuisine, each others company, and the joys of Iftar during Ramadan.
Yaprak Sarma
Says Cem Erol, Executive Instructor Chef, Culinary Arts Academy of Istanbul: “Since the Academy’s founding in 2004 we have sought to bring Turkish cuisine, with all its regional diversity, to the attention and taste buds of epicurean connoisseurs the world over. As such we are extremely happy to have joined with Auris Plaza Hotel to make this possible for us, for the first time in the UAE. It is also a great opportunity of special significance for us to be able to share our cuisine with the people of Dubai during the Holy Month of Ramadan, as people come together not only in celebration with food, but to celebrate life itself. It provides a wonderful platform for us to demonstrate the passion, traditions and skills that go into our cuisine. I look forward to working with Chef Dewet, the hotel’s Executive Chef and his team in bringing this experience to the hotel’s guests.”
Muhlama
The Turkish Food Festival at Auris Plaza Hotel, located in Al Barsha in close location to the Mall of Emirates, will feature various Turkish regional and Ottoman cuisine favourites such as; Yuvalama, a festive dish made of rice and meat rolled into small-sized balls with chick peas and a yoghurt sauce, from Gaziantep, Turkey’s South-Eastern region; Enginar, an artichoke confit from the Aegean region, Muhlama, a traditional polenta from the Black Sea region, and Yaprak Sarma, Vine leaves filled with rice, meat and spices. Traditional Turkish Ramadan specialities such as; Ramadan pide (a traditional bread); gullac, a dessert of layered pastry, pomegranate and walnuts; Tursu Kavurmasi, sautéed pickled green beans with caramelized onions and an aromatic spicy oil; and Petek Bal and Kaymak, a traditional fast breaking dish of honey and thick cream, will also make a special appearance during each evening’s celebrations. Additionally, a Turkish tradition of breaking the fast would not be complete without the famous Cay (tea) from the city of Rize, which will also be available.
Yuvalama
Following each Iftar, guests are encouraged to continue the evenings socialising at the Auris Plaza Hotel’s indoor Hookah Lounge and open air rooftop Pool Terrace, where a selection of quality shisha along with traditional Ramadan past times such as touwla and cards are available.
The Turkish Food Festival 2013 will run throughout Ramadan 2013 at the Auris Plaza Hotel. Booking an Iftar package, details are as follows:
Location:       Auris Plaza Hotel, Al Barsha, Dubai
Time:            As per Iftar timings
Price:            AED 125 per person (inclusive)
50% discount for children aged 5 – 12 years
Free for infants below 5 years
Group Special:         Pay for 5 persons and the 6th person is free
For further enquiries:
Tel.:             +971 4 455 4839 / 40
E-mail:          fb.plaza@auris-hotels.com

Website:        www.auris-hotels.com

Kurio Launches The Ultimate Android Tablet range for Families this Month @kuriotabletuk

The Ultimate Android Tablet range for Families
Kurio 7 launches this month in the Middle East - THE tablet topping every child’s gadget wish list for Christmas 2012 and the FIRST truly safe, versatile and content rich android tablet range for kids
Just like higher priced adult tablets, the Kurio 7 from InspirationWorks is a gaming tool, a multimedia and high quality entertainment device, but suitable for the entire family at an affordable price. Currently available in a 7 inch version, the device adds depth to an evergrowing range; with capacitive multi-touch screen technology, the Kurio has an intuitive user interface designed and developed specifically for children.
Loved by kids, but, just as importantly, trusted (and coveted!) by parents, the Kurio is unlike any other children’s tablet on the market.  With the unique global and session time control feature and CronLab’s web filtering system*, uniquely combined with the KurioGenius™ parental control features such as block / safe list options and user level configurable filtering settings for up to 8 different profiles, the Kurio range delivers a leading parental control system. Guy-Edward Waterland from the award winning IT content security provider CronLab, reaffirms, “In addition to great accuracy and coverage, the technology which makes it the safest includes malicious website detection features and as the filtering is undertaken in the cloud, all updates are immediate to all end users.”
The Kurio range is also the very first tablets to preload FULL versions of many of the must have Apps, including Angry Birds, Cut the Rope, Fruit Ninja, Doodle Jump and Color & Draw, to name but a few!  There are also many fun and educational apps and games, e-books, Alligator Creative Play Apps, videos, and a music player.    And if that wasn’t enough, Kurio also has its very own ‘protected’ store too… where many more popular and family friendly apps can be found.   However, any android application for tablets and smartphones can also run on the Kurio.
Children will love the option to personalise their tablet and the Kurio can be customised with a full range of licensed accessories available.   So, from Bin Weevils to Fruit Ninja and Angry Birds there are drop safe skins, and cases to appeal to every child.  For adults, more stylish Kurio branded accessories will transform the family tablet into something much more sophisticated-looking suitable for use in the office and at meetings.
Awarded “Best of Show” by Gadget Show Live at Toy Fair 2012 - look out for the new Kurio range, the only tablets to be loved equally by adults and children.
Further recognition for the Kurio Tablets, by various Press, can be found here: http://www.kurioworld.com/uk/press.php

Media assets can be downloaded at http://we.tl/OkEupcrV97

LANCÔME LAUNCHES RÉNERGIE MULTI -LIFT @Lancome_ME

RÉNERGIE MULTI -LIFT
reviva-plasmaTM ,
the new Holy Grail of skin revitalization


In all our studies women have always, and even more so today, expressed a duality that Lancôme has understood: the desire for skincare that soothes and provides visible results, as well as skincare that pampers the skin, improving and transforming it over the long term. This approach has consistently been the guiding principle behind the bestselling Lancôme product range: Rénergie. A range which, over the years, has been continually improved with influence and success, drawing inspiration from each new scientific breakthrough, to offer clients increasingly luxurious textures and meet their needs for greater youthfulness with each new
revolutionary discovery and innovation. Today, Lancôme takes these important ideas a step further with Rénergie Multi-Lift Reviva-PlasmaTM, a new powerful cosmetic lifting skincare product.
A serum, the ultimate category of Lancôme excellence, inspired by the most recent revitalizing procedures that enable the skin to draw from its own resources for global revitalization and immediately visible results. Both the
women who tested the product as well as their friends and family noted the exceptional effects and we have measured them: their skin is visibly more beautiful, day after day.
As a result, Lancôme offers women uncompromising high performance skincare that provides visible results in an absolutely fabulous texture that is once again in a class of its own. Pure and simple.

Youcef Nabi
Lancôme Worldwide President


The Rénergie signature:
anti-aging skincare far ahead of its time

For over 20 years, Rénergie has accompanied women in their quest to achieve a younger-looking appearance. Armed with this knowledge, in 1991 our research team developed Rénergie, the first Lancôme skincare range that specifically targets the two key problems that women face as they age: wrinkles and loss of firmness. Its active ingredient complexes combined with iconic textures have established the brand’s reputation as a leader in anti-aging care and an essential partner for women on a quest for excellence. Changing its name to Rénergie Multi-Lift in 2012, the range has been constantly challenging established ideas, aiming for increasingly more powerful results as well as remaining in line with women’s evolving concerns. What are women looking for today? Firmer,more radiant and fully revitalized skin. In 2013, Rénergie Multi-Lift adds an intense concentrate to its range: a powerful serum that provides spectacular results: Rénergie Multi-Lift
Reviva-PlasmaTM, inspired by the Science of cosmetic lifting, and for the first time, combined with the Science of revitalization.


Revitalizating procedures:
a source of inspiration for
rénergie multi-lift reviva-plasmaTM

To meet increasingly stringent demands of women who wish to improve their skin’s youthful appearance and vitality without undergoing heavy and invasive procedures, new techniques have been developed, paving
the way for a new approach: revitalization procedures. These minimally aggressive procedures, referred to as “natural”, mainly stimulate the activity of tissue-generating cells called fibroblasts, which include collagen and elastin fibers that tend to diminish and degrade over time. They also boost cutaneous microcirculation, improving exchanges between skin cells and their surrounding environment.

Cutting-edge techniques for targeted results.

Mechanical stimulation
These techniques consist of exerting light mechanical traction on the dermis, then
gently releasing the facial skin at variable rhythms. Genuine “facial gymnastics”, they
generate an increase in elastin and collagen production.
Light and Laser stimulation
Certain LED (monochromatic cold light, with low power) increase regeneration,
healing and collagen production capacities. Biostimulation resculpting lasers stimulate
the dermis, triggering biological reactions that are essential to the skin regeneration
process.
Electrical stimulation
Electrical stimulation works on all skin layers: epidermis, dermis and dermo-epidermal
junction. The diffusion of different electrical currents helps boost skin permeability,
thereby optimizing the penetration process of active ingredients deeper into the skin.

The most recent revitalization techniques:

Biological stimulation.
Biological stimulation (the mesolift technique, in particular) uses a series of microinjections
containing a blend of nourishing and revitalizing ingredients, mainly comprised of hyaluronic acid and vitamins. The repeated penetration of needles into the skin creates microtraumatisms that trigger “micro skin repair” reactions. The dermal cells are thus activated, while nourishing substances and growth factors are injected into the treated cutaneous areas.
Autologous injections, among the most promising types of biological stimulation, consist of reinjecting the patient’s own platelet-enriched plasma into the skin.
These techniques in particular - which help, amongst others, improve skin quality and
vitality - were our research team’s source of inspiration for creating Rénergie Multi-Lift
Reviva-PlasmaTM, the first firming and lifting cosmetic product for intensely revitalized
skin.

A new cosmetic lifting
skincare product,
with powerful effectiveness noted by women
volunteers and measured by experts

Benefits noted by women: revitalized and firm skin, as if full of life.
The women’s reactions to the powerful effectiveness of Rénergie Multi-Lift Reviva-PlasmaTM are exceptional. The skin immediately appears fresher. After the first week, it looks firmer, smoother and wrinkles seem to be erased. After the first month, the skin appears younger, as if lifted. When using Rénergie Multi-Lift Reviva-PlasmaTM with its double technology, 94% of women** felt that their skin appeared revitalized.

*Consumer use tests, 58 women
**Consumer use tests, 111 women, after 8 weeks of application

Immediately*:
77% of women felt that their skin appeared fresher
85% of women felt that their skin was suppler
98% of women felt that their skin was moisturized

After the 1st month*:
70% of women felt that their wrinkles and fine lines appeared diminished
77% of women felt that their skin looked more youthful
78% of women felt that their skin was more radiant
78% of women felt that their skin appeared plumper
78% of women felt that their skin looked tighter, as if lifted

After the 1st week*:
75% of women felt that their skin appeared firmer
78% of women felt that their skin appeared rested
80% of women felt that their skin looked more elastic
82% of women felt that their skin was smoother as if wrinkles had been erased

When using Rénergie Multi-Lift Reviva-PlasmaTM with its double technology, 94% of women** felt that their skin appeared revitalized.
*Consumer use tests, 58 women
**Consumer use tests, 111 women, after 8 weeks of application

A dual gel texture
The Rénergie Multi-Lift textures have always boasted sensorial ingenuity, making it the ultimate skincare range thanks to Lancôme’s unique innovation in terms of delivery forms, which is one of the reasons that women are so loyal to the Maison Lancôme. Rénergie Multi-Lift Reviva-PlasmaTM has benefited from the expertise of the Lancôme formulators, skilled formula creators who defy the imagination and senses with each new creation. They have developed an astonishing dual gel texture that is rich, enveloping and highly absorbent upon application, which seems to instantly penetrate the skin with its millions of droplets highly concentrated in active ingredients. Rénergie Multi-Lift Reviva-PlasmaTM leaves the skin nourished, comfortable, smooth, plump and characteristically silky soft to the touch, without a greasy feel. A unique sensory experience. Rénergie Multi-Lift Reviva-PlasmaTM also contains elastomer microparticles, known for their optical properties and the gentle finish they leave on the
skin. By increasing skin/light interactions, they instantly help diminish skin imperfections, providing a soft focus effect on signs of fatigue, while improving skin transparency. The delicately floral and woody fragrance, created around a rose middle note, as well as its light amber shade also help ensure that application becomes an extremely polysensorial experience.

A high-tech design
inspired by liquid nitrogen bottles

Lancôme has chosen to use high-tech packaging for Rénergie Multi-Lift Reviva-PlasmaTM, boasting modern lines and feminine details. Its colors dazzle with a mirror effect, from delicate pink to deep and vibrant purple, the range’s signature shades.

The bottle does not immediately reveal its mysteries. By slightly turning the cap, the dispenser pump emerges for an aesthetic experience combined with better preservation. By simply pressing on the dispenser pump, it delivers the perfect amount of serum, thereby facilitating and optimizing product application.

Dune London launches flagship store in Mall of the Emirates @Dune_Shoes @DunePRTeam


Dune London, which celebrated its 20th anniversary in late 2012 is thrilled to announce the opening of its largest store in the world in the Mall of Emirates, Dubai.



The 2500 sq. ft. store features the new retail concept from Dune London.   Incorporating a reverse inverted catwalk, an open store front and large scale digital screens has created an exciting, engaging and enticing retail environment. 

The creation of a more unisex environment to reflect the success of the Dune London men’s range, which now accounts for 25% of the business in the UK and 15% globally; and providing a designated area for accessories, and day bags in particular which have seen a growth in sales of over 300% in the last year, truly make this a unique and distinctive destination footwear and accessories store for both men and women.

Launching the largest store in the Dune London portfolio in the Mall of Emirates, highlights the importance of the Middle Eastern market to the London based The Dune Group.   There are now 23 Dune London stores across the Middle East, with 7 new stores opening within the last 12 months.  With sales year to date +37% vs. 2012, the Middle East is a pivotal part of the long term growth strategy for The Dune Group.
Based in London, The Dune Group is one of the leading UK retailers of fashion footwear and accessories with over 300 stores worldwide. The group’s distribution includes stunning stores in all the major cities of the UK plus shop in shops in the leading department stores in the UK and Europe including Selfridges, House of Fraser, John Lewis and Topshop in the UK, De Bijenkorf in Holland, Illum in Denmark, Karstadt in Germany and most recently a pop-up shop in Galleries Lafayette in Paris.

The group is rapidly expanding internationally with franchised stores in the United Arab Emirates, North Africa, Russia, India, South Africa and the Philippines.


Daniel Rubin, owner and Executive Chairman of The Dune Group, said ““Launching the largest Dune London store in the prestigious Mall of Emirates in Dubai, is a fantastic moment in the history of The Dune Group; and with a vision to treble the international store portfolio of stores by 2014 this store provides the blueprint for all future store openings.”