Closing

Sadly due to a lack of funding and time we have had to close this blog. Thank you to all the contributors and thank you to the readers of whom there were over 25,000 a month of you at it's peak! The UAE is a great place to live and so much happens here.
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@bizgroupuae You’re Hired! biz-group challenges Eventice Middle East contenders to kick start their career

Event industry aspirants gathered at the annual Eventice Middle East graduate recruitment competition, held last week in Dubai, for a chance to kick start their career. Putting the contenders through their paces was biz-events, the Middle East’s largest and longest established provider of corporate team building events. 

Andrew Fieldhouse, Commercial Manager, biz-events 

Launched in 2013 The Eventice Middle East is the regional adaptation of the popular UK-based recruitment event that goes by the same name. Organised by ESP International, The Eventice 2014 challenged participants over three days of knock-out competition to win job placements at leading Middle East event companies: Innovations Unlimited ME, Cheil, and Informa Middle East.

As part of the competition, biz-events developed and adjudicated a series of interactive tasks designed to test the recent graduates on creativity, persuasion, innovation, teamwork, collaboration and logic - all essential skillsets in the events industry. 

Twelve shortlisted candidates participated in the final day of the recruitment initiative and were required to complete four activities in small groups. These included a high-tech treasure hunt, creating a perfume brand targeted at a consumer audience and producing a short promotional video to sell their perfume. The teams were also confronted with a variety of problem solving and analytical tasks.

Andrew Fieldhouse, Commercial Manager, biz-events commented, “The Eventice is a great platform for young hopefuls wanting access to one of the world’s leading event industries. The activities we conducted challenged the contestants’ creativity and resourcefulness, and they soon realised the value of team work and team building, particularly when trying to achieve business results. 

“The Eventice also demonstrates the versatility and power of team building as a tool for achieving business objectives by improving a team’s performance. All the tasks were conceived to extract vital organisational benefits, and to maximize the contribution of every participant to achieve a business result. In the case of The Eventice, the bottom line for the participants was to demonstrate their skills and hear those famous words, ‘You’re Hired!’”

Connec ME Education brings the world’s youth empowerment gurus to pioneer the MENA region’s smartest youth program

In the presence of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan

Distinguished experts from the UAE, UK, Sweden & France discussed first-of-a-kind culture and education programs on 21 May at Abu Dhabi’s Rosewood Hotel

In the first event of its kind in the MENA region, In the presence of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Connec ME Education brought together the world’s top youth empowerment organizations to exchange out-of-the-box ideas that will help the region graduate to a smart new era of cultural and educational development. This historic event took place today at 11am at Rosewood Hotel, Abu Dhabi.

Mohammad Mahfouz Shadid: CEO of Connec ME Education said: “Over half of the MENA region’s population is aged under 25 years, so by empowering youths we are actually uplifting the entire region. When you train a youth, you are developing an entire generation. These are not just the leaders of tomorrow but the leaders of today, because we are seeing very young achievers changing the world in business, technology, media, social activism, education and other fields.”

Connec ME Education, together with its business partners will empower youth in the MENA region for them to reach endless possibilities in this challenging business around the globe. When we take care of the youth, we are looking to a bright and better future.

Elaborating on the expected benefits from this event, Ms. Mariam Omran Al Hallami, Chief Operation Officer of Connec ME Education, said: “We are bringing the very best organizations in the field because our region must learn from the best to be the best. Our youths have the advantage of being highly tech-savvy, very comfortable with using apps, very active on social media and they have their fingers on the pulse of the latest trends worldwide. When you add the region’s high internet, mobile and social media penetration rates, there is no reason why our youths can’t take the lead globally by learning smarter, faster and easier.” With the youth empowered, we are looking at a bright and better generation.

Connec ME Education aims to make the region’s youth to be globally competitive by providing technology-driven solutions for education and vocational training, in synergy with its international partners.

In addition to esteemed guests from the UAE, the global educational and vocational leaders who are attending from the UK, Sweden and France include Learndirect: a leading provider of e-Training, e-Assessment and other employability services; MOD’ART International: an elite institute that prepares students for diverse careers in fashion; EnlightKS: which delivers specialist consulting services to 650 clients in over 25 countries; EuroTalk: with a 20-year reputation for developing language learning software; and City & Guilds: a global leader in skills education since 1878.

Together, we are giving the youth a chance on a better tomorrow. The youth is our future, our legacy. 

@VisionXDubai REFRESHED VISION-X DUBAI TURNS FOCUS ON REGION’S ‘IMMENSE’ OPTICAL AND EYE-CARE BUSINESS POTENTIAL

Optistyle & Opticare Zones to Provide Specialist Fashion & Medical Platforms

Pioneering Technology Showcases to Aid Developing World Eye-Care in New NGO Zone

The highly-lucrative, international optical business will come under the microscope when a refreshed Vision-X Dubai - the Middle East's largest optical trade show - returns to Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) for its 15^th outing later this year.

Running November 25-27, 2014, Vision-X Dubai will gather more than 4,000 trade visitors and over 150 exhibitors from more than 15 countries across 6,500m² of dedicated exhibition space at DWTC.

According to Euromonitor International, the UAE eyewear market was worth $420 million (AED1.58 billion) in 2013 with the domestic market is forecast to grow at a CAGR of seven per cent per annum up to 2018. As a unified platform for the optical sector’s fashion and medical spheres to expand their regional operations, Vision-X Dubai will feature two distinct zones: Optistyle, a dedicated arena for retail opticians and optometrists, and Opticare, a platform covering the entire spectrum of technical eye-care products and services.

The industry-wide coming together will see global eyewear brands and retailers showcase cutting-edge trends, products and accessories at Optistyle, while eye-care providers, medical practitioners and technology suppliers will discuss and display the latest  services, equipment and machinery on the show-floor at Opticare – a show first.

“As the Middle East and North Africa region’s only optical and eyecare business event, Vision-X Dubai brings buyers and sellers together to source new products and suppliers, and catch up with the latest trends, customers, contacts and industry information,” said Trixie LohMirmand, Senior Vice President, Events & Exhibitions Department, DWTC.

In addition to a series of glamorous eyewear fashion shows being added to this year’s Vision-X Dubai bill, a dedicated zone for NGOs featuring specialist showcases of affordable, pioneering eye-care technology solutions tailor-made for the developing world is another eye-catching draw for global optical businesses.

“We’ve reformatted the event to celebrate this year’s crystal anniversary and the response from exhibitors has been universally positive,” added LohMirmand. “The refreshed show will offer a much more expansive and holistic platform for the international optical industry to explore and monetise immense revenue-generating opportunities across the MENA region and beyond.”

With a raft of leading European lifestyle eyewear brands – including Tavat, Exalt Cycle, Le Tanneur, Linda Farrow, Mad In Italy, Ic! Berlin, Boucheron, Minima and Maybach Limited Edition - already on-board for Optistyle, Ahmad Hamou, Sales Director, AMICO Group, the UAE-based distributor of leading international brands such as Adidas, Fred, Silhouette, Tag Heuer, Logo, Briot and Ciba Vision, praised the show’s new direction.

“We are long-time Vision-X Dubai exhibitors and the show has consistently delivered for us,” said Hamou. “The new look and feel for 2014 is very exciting and we’re looking forward to meeting old customers and making new ones this November.”

To be held in DWTC’s Sheikh Saeed Halls from November 25-27, Vision-X Dubai – a strictly a trade-only event - will be open daily from 10am to 6pm. Registration is available in advance at the event’s new website: www.vision-x.ae

@GourmetGulfCo Gourmet Gulf Steps Up Middle East Expansion Pace with Four New F&B Brands

-Texas de Brazil, Panda Express, Azkadenya and Dalloyau set to be launched  in 2014-

Leading food and beverage (F&B) company in the Middle East, Gourmet Gulf (www.gourmetgulf.com), continues to deliver on its ambitious expansion strategy with the announcement of four new F&B franchise partnerships for the region.   

The brands, all leaders in their respective cuisine categories, include two highly recognised franchises from the US:  Texas De Brazil – a fine dining Brazilian steakhouse featuring southern Brazilian cuisine; and Panda Express, the largest fast casual Asian restaurant chain in the world, serving gourmet Chinese food.  

In addition, Gourmet Gulf brings to the region Dalloyau, a high-end Parisian café concept with a history dating back to 1682 and worldwide recognition for exceptional patisserie, macaroons and fine French cuisine. 

The fourth franchise to be announced by Gourmet Gulf is Azkadenya, a restaurant founded and grown in Jordan, serving a contemporary version of traditional Arabic cuisine from the region.  Azkadenya is expected to enjoy particular resonance with Khaleeji residents and visitors to the UAE.

One of the top major F&B operators in the Middle East, Gourmet Gulf currently holds the exclusive development and franchise rights to top-tier brands including California Pizza Kitchen, Morelli’s Gelato, YO! Sushi and Hummingbird Bakery, and is rapidly expanding its operations across the region.

Highlighting the growth of the company Sami Daud, Executive Chairman of Gourmet Gulf said:  “The food and hospitality industry in the Middle East continues to grow at one of the fastest rates in the world, and while the opportunities are significant in the region, there is increasing demand for effective and experienced operators on the ground.  Gourmet Gulf continues to be partner of choice for some of the world’s most successful F&B brands, whether niche or mainstream, and our latest range of partnerships is testament to that.”

Delivering on an expansion strategy that will see over 100 outlets in operation by 2020, Gourmet Gulf is gaining significant presence throughout the Middle East.  A joint venture partnership in late 2013 with Majid Al Futtaim Ventures - the project development arm of retail, shopping and entertainment giant Majid Al Futtaim, is further enabling Gourmet Gulf to scale operations and expand in the region.  The company expects to open 14 additional outlets this year focusing its expansion in UAE and KSA,  followed by a further 18 outlets in 2015.

“We are increasingly being approached by highly successful international brands looking to establish operations in the region, and our selection of partners follows consistent criteria:  best in class, a passion for excellence and signature dishes that hold their own.  Our track record shows that our formula works, and we look forward this year to opening new outlets of our existing brands, as well as introducing a number of exciting new taste sensations,” said Daud.

@NoonHotel Noon Art Boutique Hotel Apartments - ART & Restaurant Listings

Noon Art Boutique Hotel Apartments

‘The Restaurant at Noon’ Listing

Located on the first floor ‘The Restaurant at Noon’ welcomes guests and art lovers to relish an extensive selection of Continental and Middle Eastern cuisine. Choose from delicious hot and cold mezzes, fish, pasta dishes and more. The Restaurant at Noon is also offering sweet treats and a range of coffees. Indulge in a great meal while soaking in the beautiful art décor.

Open: Daily, 7am – 10pm

Number: 04 347 7676

Website: www.noonhotel.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NoonArtBoutiqueHotelApartments

Noon Art Boutique Hotel Apartments

Art Gallery Listing

Located on the first floor, Noon Art Boutique Hotel Apartments showcases amazing work from local and regional artists in its newly launched Art Gallery and is open to the public every day between 8:00am and 9:00pm.

Currently on display are pieces from the three established artists who brought the hotel to life: Dr. Najat Makki an Emirati, Qatar resident Ali Hassan, and Khaled Ben Slimane a Tunisian national.

Open: Daily, 8am – 9pm

Number: 04 347 7676

Website: www.noonhotel.com

@OneHeartBM NEW UAE HEALTH DRIVE AIMS FOR A GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS TITLE

One Heart Health Community bids to screen 7,025 people in 8-hours

to launch cardiovascular disease awareness campaign

UAE residents could break a Guinness World Records title for a new health initiative being launched next week in the fight against cardiovascular disease.

Established to educate UAE residents about heart related illnesses, communicate the common risk factors, and drive home the importance of a healthy lifestyle, the One Heart Health Community is staging the record attempt next Sunday (25 May) at The Dubai Mall.

Guinness World Records representatives will be on hand to monitor the attempt as more than 80 nurses perform simple blood sugar level tests on Mall-goers to determine the presence or risk of diabetes.

At least 7,025 people will need to take part in the eight-hour screening to break the current Guinness World Records title of ‘most blood glucose level tests - 8 hours'.

 

“We’re urging UAE residents to turn out in force and support this new initiative to help tackle cardiovascular disease, which is the world’s biggest single killer and accounts for a quarter of deaths in the UAE,” said Mohamed Hammad, Founder and Managing Director at Benchmark Middle East FZ-LLC, the initiator of One Heart Health Community.

“It would be a great achievement to break Guinness World Records title here in Dubai, but our primary focus is to spread the word to as many people as possible that heart disease can be prevented if positive changes are made in our daily lives.”

The current world record is held by the Turkish Diabetes Foundation, who screened 7,024 people over an eight-hour period at an event at the Hidayet Türkoglu sports complex in Istanbul, Turkey in 2012.

The Dubai Mall attracts around 200,000 people daily and UAE residents are being encouraged to visit the Star Atrium between 1pm-9pm for Sunday’s diabetes screening.  At least 40 nursing stations will be distributed across the atrium and a team of medical experts will be on hand to provide information and advice throughout. More information can be found at www.OHHC.me.

Endorsed by Emirates Cardiac Society, the screening event is launching an awareness campaign, aimed at educating people about the importance of a healthy lifestyle and providing information and support for how individuals can overcome the risk factors surrounding heart-related illnesses in the UAE.

The One Heart Health Community is also looking to attempt two other Guinness World Records titles in the coming year for most blood pressure readings and most cholesterol readings. 

“We want to provide a direct personal experience through these screening events and initiate an interactive communication with our target audience to ensure people are made aware about the importance of cardiovascular disease,” said Mohamed Hammad. “With smoking, stress, junk food and lack of exercise all playing key roles in creating the onset of heart disease in the UAE 15 years sooner than in the West, educating residents in the region is more important than ever.”

One Heart Health Community has partnered with Merck Serono Middle and Near East, a recognised biotechnology and pharmaceutical chemistry leader and the oldest pharmaceutical company with more than 300 years’ experience. The company aims to partner with the health care communities to create a greater awareness about health campaigns.

Emirates Society of Emergency Medicine celebrates its achievements in enhancing emergency medicine in the region

Education, professional development, and policy development are amongst the main objectives of the Emirates Emergency Medicine Society

Due to the increase in the number of patients needing emergency medicine in the last few years, the emergency medicine industry in the UAE now has an advanced physical infrastructure. Diagnostic equipment and therapies are available in most hospitals in the Emirate. There are now many established large government-run tertiary care centres in the UAE providing emergency care including Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, Dubai Hospital, Rashid Hospital and Mafraq Hospital. The role of professional societies, such as the Emirates Society of Emergency Medicine (ESEM), has become ever more important as they are able to govern the specialty, define its scope of practice, and set the standards of practice for the UAE.
Dr Ayesha Al Memari, General Secretary, Emirates Society of Emergency Medicine, and Consultant Emergency medicine & Critical Care, Al Mafraq Hospital, Abu Dhabi, is set to discuss the importance of Emergency Medicine Societies in the UAE at the launch of the 1st Emergency Medicine Exhibition & Congress from 2-4 June 2014 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. 
As one of the youngest societies formed in the Emirates Medical Association (EMA), the ESEM has since gained recognition of the EMA Board for its hard work and dedication and outstanding achievement within its first 18 months. Among ESEM’s achievements are monthly scientific activities distributed all across the UAE through its outreach program, collaboration with international Emergency Medicine societies, sponsoring delegates to attend global events, and empowering young Emergency Medicine Trainees through education.

According to Dr Almemari, “The Emirates Society of Emergency Medicine (ESEM) focuses on building the capacity in emergency medicine, by educating physicians working in emergency medicine departments, fostering the collegial and professional environment, building various task focused working groups, following up on their mission’s progress, connecting with other international societies, and supporting new and developing societies in the UAE.”

INTERFACE TAKES HOME COVETED INDEX PRODUCT DESIGN AWARD FOR GLOBALLY ACCLAIMED NET EFFECT COLLECTION

Recognised for environmental innovation and beautiful design,

inspired by the ocean

Interface, a worldwide leader in the design and manufacture of carpet tiles has won a coveted INDEX Product Design Award for its widely acclaimed Net Effect collection at a ceremony in Dubai.

 

The event at Atlantis Hotel on the Palm Jumeirah was attended by hundreds of interior design professionals from the Middle East celebrating manufacturers and designers for excellence and innovation in product design for the residential, hospitality, commercial, educational and healthcare industries.

Winning the top accolade in the Surfaces and Finishes category, the Net Effect carpet tile collection is inspired by both the ocean’s life-giving power and its plight; marine life and habitats that are endangered by discarded fishing nets, acidification, over-fishing, pollution and climate change.  The collection provides a subtle visual reminder of the sea on its surface, with a design reminiscent of swirling currents.

Reflecting Interface’s abiding Mission Zero® promise to eliminate any negative impact it may have on the environment by 2020, Net Effect contains 100 per cent recycled content yarn made from sources including used carpet fluff harvested from Interface’s ReEntry programme, commercial fishing nets and nets from the Net-Works project in Danajon Bank area of the Philippines. 

Net-Works is an innovative global business and conservation partnership, launched in 2012, between Interface, conservation charity the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) and supplier Aquafil. 

The initiative tackles two distinct issues: first, to address the growing environmental issue of discarded fishing nets in some of the world’s poorest coastal communities, and second, to help solve the problem of finding a viable waste stream to feed the company's ambitious post-consumer nylon recycling goals.

Steven Pratt, Regional Director for Interface Middle East, said, “Net Effect has captured the attention and imagination of the world’s interior designers since it was launched late last year and we are thrilled to receive this acknowledgement from our peers at the INDEX awards.  We are seeing increased interest in the collection, not only because of the quality and design of the product but also because of its environmental credentials. 

“The Net-Works collaboration helps to clean up the ocean from discarded fishing nets, offers economic and social benefits to the fishing community in the Philippines and provides us with a unique source of recycled yarn for our carpet tiles.”

Created by David Oakey, an exclusive designer for Interface and owner of David Oakey Designs, the collection of six modular carpet tile options embraces sustainability in construction and concept.

“Aesthetically, we wanted Net Effect to capture the positivity of the Net-Works partnership and the beauty of the waters it’s so closely tied to,” said Oakey. “This collection connects people with the emotions and memories associated with the beach, but their enjoyment is its most superficial benefit.  What’s beneath the surface—including the product’s ties to the good work Net-Works is doing—is what makes it extraordinary.” 

Interface has been operating in the Middle East for more than 30 years through a network of distributors, including M H Baluchi & Sons in Bahrain, Business Machine Co in Kuwait, Sharikat Fanniya Omaniya in Oman, Rafco in Qatar, Riyadh House Est in Saudi Arabia and Ofis in the UAE.  Its regional headquarters and showroom is based in Al Barsha, Dubai.

@TISSOT Tissot Lady Collection

The choice of it all

It is clear that women want it all, or more particularly the choice of it all. Tissot, who has always been dedicated to providing their customers with what they desire, has created the Tissot Lady Collection to answer those wishes. The Tissot Lady not only exudes femininity with its petal-like hands, bezel and smooth lines but it is also available in various models with different colours and style to answer the diverging tastes and with a revolutionary Powermatic 80 automatic movement. For women that cherish the mechanical prowess, the Powermatic 80 will still offer the possibility of a time-off and well-deserved break thanks to its amazing 80 hours of power reserve.

Honouring women

A rose is always engraved on the caseback of every Tissot lady watch with a quartz movement. It is the flower represented on the Tissot Coat of Arms. Through the representation of the rose, Tissot honours women, their strength and essence and remind them to live life to the fullest. Thanks to the Powermatic 80 movement, it is the first time that Tissot is able to send that message with an automatic piece.

Features

·         Swiss made

·         Automatic movement or quartz movement with battery end-of-life indicator (EOL)

·         Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal

·         316L stainless steel case

·         See-through case back on automatic models

·         Water resistance up to a pressure of 5 bar (50 m / 165 ft)

·         Top Wesselton Diamond options

·         316L solid stainless steel bracelet with butterfly clasp with push-buttons

·         Bicolour execution is PVD coating

Note: All diamonds used are Top Wesselton quality. They have been purchased from legitimate sources not involved in funding conflict and are in compliance with the United Nations resolutions. Tissot hereby guarantees that these diamonds are conflict-free, based on personal knowledge and/or written guarantees provided by the supplier.

It's the Swissness at the very heart of Tissot that makes the brand such a distinguished one. The + in the Tissot logo is the same as the Swiss flag, symbolising the quality and the reliability that watchmakers have proudly demonstrated since 1853. The innovative brand remains in its home in Le Locle in the Swiss Jura Mountains, keeping its Swiss identity at its core. Tissot watches are authentic and accessible, using special materials, advanced functionality and meticulous design detail to create pieces that are both precise and stylish. The high calibre of the brand has been repeatedly recognised, as in its illustrious history Tissot has been named Official Timekeeper and Partner of MotoGP^TM, FIM World Superbike, FIBA, AFL, RBS 6 Nations Rugby and the World Championships of cycling, fencing and ice hockey. Tissot, which sells its timepieces in more than 160 countries round the world, is a member of the Swatch Group, the world's largest watch producer and distributor of Swiss watches. As it continues to create pioneering creations, Tissot stands by its signature, "Innovators by Tradition." www.tissot.ch