MarkaVIP seals landmark deal with PayPal to make shopping seamless and shipping free

Can shopping get any easier? MarkaVIP seals landmark deal with PayPal to make shopping seamless and shipping free

As more and more of us stretch out on the sofa to do our shopping rather than fight the crowds in the mall, it’s good to know that the online shopping experience offered by the Middle East’s largest flash sales fashion and lifestyle site has been made even easier.  MarkaVIP has just signed an exclusive deal with PayPal, the world’s largest online payment method, to offer shoppers a one-click payment method that also includes free shipping to any of the eight countries in which MarkaVIP operates. 

Now approaching its third year in operation MarkaVIP has certainly boosted online shopping in the region, offering a broad mix of premium brands and quirky one-of-a-kind fashion and lifestyle finds for men, women and children. Currently serving a community of more than 2.5 million members, it’s no wonder PayPal wants to partner with MarkaVIP to offer an exclusive billing agreement. 

Sohrab Jahanbani, COO of MarkaVIP explained:  “Our convenience promise to our customers is as important to MarkaVIP as our unrivalled choice of products, brands and fantastic deals.  As the only e-commerce company in the Middle East to be offered a direct billing agreement by PayPal, MarkaVIP is able to offer customers a truly secure and seamless shopping experience. Literally one click of the mouse to make a payment, and the added bonus of free shipping, really does bring a new dimension in convenience to shopping.”

As shoppers in the region become more online-savvy, confidence in payment methods is critical and PayPal, as the champion of online security worldwide, ensures just that.  The ease and simplicity of the secure online payment system gives convenience and peace of mind to more than 113 million active shoppers around the globe.  

Commenting on the partnership, Laurent Wakim, Business Development, PayPal Middle East and Africa, said; “MarkaVIP is a fantastic example of a Middle Eastern success story and a pioneer of online shopping in the region. PayPal is committed to working with local e-commerce merchants, such as MarkaVIP, to make online shopping more convenient and safer for consumers in the Middle East.”

One of the fastest growing shopping portals in the Middle East, MarkaVIP offers flash sales on more than 15,000 products daily. 

Discounts of up to 70% on men, women and children’s apparel, accessories, kids’ items, electronics and home décor make the site a shopper’s paradise, and with deals available for between three and five days only, it’s a site worth visiting daily. 

With a fully bilingual Arabic and English website, shoppers can log onto: www.markavip.com, join almost one million fans on MarkaVIP’s Facebook page, and follow @MarkaVIP on twitter. 

Dima Ayad's FFWD Glamour

Fashion Forward Show Saturday 27 April

Dima Ayad’s AW’13 collection ‘a million little pieces’ received a stylish turn out of guests at the show on Saturday evening of Fashion Forward. The Autumn Winter collection is brought to life with subdued tones of Blue, Grey, Rose, Gold, Ivory Purple and Burgundy. Dima’s staple fabric use of Lace, Crepe, Silk and Tulle carried her show gracefully to the end of an applauding audience.

Imperial College London Diabetes Centre Maintains Double JCI Accreditation

Joint Commission International Awards Double Accreditation To Centres in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain

Suhail Mahmood Al Ansari, Imperial College London Diabetes
 Centre’s Chairman of the Board and Executive Director
 of Mubadala Healthcare is delighted that ICLDC has had
its status as a superior healthcare provider reaffirmed by JCI.

Imperial College London Diabetes Centre, the UAE’s leading centre for diabetes treatment which is fully owned by Mubadala Healthcare, has again been awarded two Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditations for high standards of care.

The Centre achieved the JCI Clinical Care Program Certification for Diabetes Management and the JCI Accreditation for Ambulatory Care after its two facilities - in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain – each participated in detailed and rigorous inspections by JCI assessors.

Suhail Mahmood Al Ansari, Imperial College London Diabetes Centre’s Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of Mubadala Healthcare, welcomed the outcome.

“We are delighted to have been awarded this prestigious accreditation and to have our status as a superior healthcare provider reaffirmed by JCI.”

Since 1984, JCI has worked with health care organisations in more than 80 countries to promote rigorous standards of care. 

Al Ansari noted that Imperial College London Diabetes Centre was the first centre worldwide to receive both certifications when it was awarded the JCI accreditation in Ambulatory Care, as well as Clinical Care, in 2010. 

“Imperial College London Diabetes Centre still holds the unique distinction as the only medical centre to hold both awards in the UAE. The endorsement is an achievement from which we take great pride, and it supports our efforts in continuing to provide the best in diabetes treatment, research, training and public health awareness.”

                            

MICHAEL CINCO WOWS AUDIENCE AT FASHION FORWARD

Michael Cinco closed Fashion Forward’s second day in style. The audience expected wonders and Michael Cinco didn’t disappoint. The collection gave guests a glimpse into a world of glitter, glamour and bold determination to go a step beyond, as each piece on the runway was more attractive than the last.

EZRA Mesmerizes at Fashion Forward

EZRA Mesmerizes at Fashion Forward

In a stunning display of sophistication and splendor, EZRA blew guests away during his Fashion Show at Fashion Forward. Nude, black and red tones were prominent through the collection, which combined dramatic cuts and powerful forms with feminine charm. Simply breathtaking.

More time to shop and more spaces to eat at Sharjah City Centre

Shoppers can enjoy weekend shopping ‘til midnight and dine in new surroundings

There are some exciting changes happening in Sharjah City Centre. Shoppers in the Emirate now have the opportunity to enjoy late night -or last minute shopping at their favourite community mall with extended opening hours on weekends. The mall is now open until midnight on Thursdays and Fridays giving residents added flexibility and convenience. What’s more, for those who like to get essential grocery shopping done so that they can relax for the day, Carrefour is now open starting at 8:00am on Fridays – an hour earlier. This is all part of the mall’s efforts to cater to the growing needs of Sharjah residents, and includes the modernisation of its food court area to welcome more diners.  

“Shoppers in the UAE are accustomed to extended trading hours and shopping late, and Sharjah City Centre is pleased to cater to this need by opening until midnight on weekends,” said Abudulhamid Bukhashem, Senior Mall Manager for Sharjah City Centre. “This is part of our overall efforts to bring enhanced experiences for our shoppers, and our current works to our dining area will bring another value-add for our loyal customers.” 

In addition to longer shopping hours, Sharjah City Centre is also investing in making its dining experience more enjoyable by giving a facelift to its dining area and increasing its seating by more than 10% - or approximately 50 more diners. This is on trend with a recent study* that revealed UAE residents eat out 11 times a week on average, 64% dining with friends, 58% with family and 23% with business colleagues, making this project even more timely for Sharjah City Centre.

The works are all aimed at providing visitors with a more atmospheric and pleasing dining experience, including new furniture, LCD screens and tiling, the addition of more greenery, enhanced lighting and other cosmetic changes. The new dining area is expected to be complete by June, welcoming even more visitors come and enjoy a lunch break or refuel after some shopping.

For more information on Sharjah City Centre, please visit. www.sharjahcitycentre.com or www.Facebook.com/sharjahcitycentre   

*2012 ‘Social Trends Survey’ from YouGov and Living Social

Peace and Sport Dubai Forum 2013 Draws to a Close

“During these two days, we spoke of peace, of sport, and of a concrete and realistic strategy to achieve them.”

Joel Bouzou

Following two-days of inspiring workshops, debates and plenary sessions, the first Peace and Sport Dubai Forum, held in Dubai for the first time under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Sport Council, expressed its stakeholders’ commitment to supporting and expanding the use of sport as a platform to spread sustainable peace.

In front of a total of 600 participants of over 50 nationalities from the world of politics, sport as well as government and nongovernmental organisations, Dr. Ahmed Al Sharif, Secretary General of the Dubai Sports Council and Chairman of the Forum Organising Committee declared: “On behalf of our Patron, Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, I would like to congratulate all the stakeholders that were involved and participated in the successful running of this milestone forum. We are committed to carrying out the noble resolutions that have come as a result of this forum, an event that we have hosted with the utmost pride, as it holds values that are intertwined with the values on which this nation is built.”

On his part, Joel Bouzou, Founder and President of the Peace and Sport Organization said: “This First Continental Forum has cemented our partnership with Dubai and the UAE region. The fruitful exchanges we had in the past days clearly demonstrate that the region is now calling for Sport to play a key role in building sustainable peace. Together with local leaders, we have successfully identified concrete areas of progress on which Sport could make a difference. Peace and Sport now aims to accompany all these actors on the long run to fully convert the try. I am convinced the Peace and Sport Dubai Forum 2013 is only a milestone to a long and sustainable collaboration.”

Day 2 – Identifying the Challenges

Following the foundation work placed during the three workshops held on the first day, in which a number of speakers and participants discussed and debated the three key topics of Leadership Role, Challenge Identification, and Comprehensive Stakeholder Involvement, day two consisted of three plenary sessions where the resolutions of the first day were discussed. During these free flowing sessions, the speakers explored the subjects further in order to help finalise the roadmap that will guide the next steps taken following the conclusion of the first Peace and Sport Dubai Forum.   The speakers included H.E. Jasim Mohammed Jaafar, Iraqi Minister of Youth and Sport, H.E. Humaid Mohammed Al-Qattami, UAE Minister of Education, H.E. Tariq Deyab, Tunisian Minister for Sport, and H.E. El Omari Farouk El Omari Egyptian Minister of Sport, in addition to Ms. Nawal El Moutawakel, Vice President of the IOC, Niina Toroi, International Woman Group and Dr. Hamad Al Shaibani, President of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Award for International Peace, as well as other distinguished guest speakers.

Recommendations

1-      Reinforce the leadership and independence of the sport movement in order to facilitate interactions with political leaders and governments with the aim to contribute to sustainable peace.

2-      Encourage partnerships between the National Olympic Committees, National Sports federations, government, civil societies and champions to spread the message of sustainable peace through sport.

3-      Integrate universal sport values within the scholastic curriculum to promote the social impact of sport, or the contribution of sport to a better society

4-      Launch the Peace and Sport Fund initiative that has been presented to the international sports organisations as a means to further amplify the values of the peace through sport movement.

5-      Engage international sports organizations and sports federations to dedicate 2014 as the year for peace through sport, the year of sporting values and principles.

6-      Advocacy the power of sport to be at the service of sustainable peace.

7-      Encourage the role of educators, families, actors of civil society to promote peace through sport and raise the awareness of all, for the next generations.

8-      Take Dubai as a model to the successful and peaceful coexistence of over 200 nationalities and cultures, and dedicate one yearly celebration entitled “Sport Unites Day”. 

Legacy

The Legacy of this pioneering forum will be the implementation  of Peace and Sport UAE in Dubai, the regional hub of the international organization. This presence will be a continuation of the collaboration with Dubai which started over three years ago, and will extend the organization’s reach: implementation of with programmes and concrete solutions that promote sustainable peace in the region.

Football for Peace – UAE vs Pakistan

At the end of the special session late on the first day of the Peace and Sport Dubai Forum, the Football for Peace Initiative, spearheaded by Pakistani Star Footballer Kashif Siddiqi announced their support to Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani girl shot by extremists whilst defending the right for education of girls in Pakistan, through a Football for Peace friendly match between the UAE and Pakistan on World Peace Day - 21 September 2013. The match will be dedicated to Malala and its proceeds will go towards funding the foundation in her name.

During the announcement, Siddiqi praised the role of women in society and particularly his mother’s during his formative years in Pakistan. As a co-founder of the Football for Peace movement he was drawn to Malala’s story and saw her power to be a role model for the next generation of their country and beyond.

Malala, the youngest ever Nobel Peace Prize nominee is still unable to travel due to her injuries. She appeared at the Peace and Sport Dubai Forum via a recorded video message thanking the members of the organization and her supporters for their belief in her message for the right for education for women in Pakistan: “thank you so much, for bringing awareness and support of education and equality for girls, through the power of sport, on such a significant day. I look forward to visiting you in Dubai in the very near future and hope to attend the festivities with my family.”

Announcing Badminton World Federation Peace and Sport Cup

During the closing ceremony of the Peace and Sport Dubai Forum 2013, Dr. Ahmed Al Sharif Secretary General of the Dubai Sports Council, Joel Bouzou President and Founder of the Peace and Sport Organisation announced the co-signature of a Memorandum of Understanding with Stuart Borrie, Badminton World Federation Director of Operations, to stage the BWF Peace and Sport Cup in Dubai during the month of September.

The BWF Peace and Sport Cup follows in the footsteps of the Peace and Sport Table Tennis Cup held in Qatar in 2011, and continues the process of bridge building and consolidating the message of peace through sports in the region and the world. The tournament will be dedicated to women teams and is open to 10 countries. Each team will comprise of 2 players and 1 coach with the coach of each team then participating in a BWF led training workshop. A draw for the tournament will be announced by the Dubai Sports Council in the very near future.

The full programme of the Peace and Sport Dubai Forum 2013, videos and photos are available on www.peaceandsport.ae   

Hands Up! Get it Right! Old School Specs are Back to Take You Back!

Hands Up! Get it Right!

Old School Specs are Back to Take You Back!

Justin Timberlake is doing it. Oscar-winning Anne Hathaway is joining in. New Girl Zooey Deschanel flaunts it. Yes! Get your shiny red apple ready for the teacher and embrace the latest fashion craze of Old School specs. Let them be big, let them be bright, let them be seen. Geek-chic has never been more cool.

Specs Addict is embracing this funky fashion trend with a whole array of Old School specs. The 2013 catwalk models are wearing glasses loud and proud all over the fashion world. Specs are big and wide, featuring fresh touches of coolness and hip colours. This is a retro revival hitting our great town with a bang just begging for you to get involved now!

Strike while the specs are hot and immerse yourself into Old School with Specs Addict’s Square ‘On the Road’ frames. Designed for both men and women, these thick frames take a nod from the classic Wayfarer shape of the 1960’s and are fused with a modern twist. Versatile for office wear or quirky casual, you can choose from a variety of smoky retro-blended colours such as Thunderstruck, Tiger and Hunter!

If you prefer softer edges, yet want to keep with the big Old School Square look, go for the ‘Set You Free’ frame, in a moody Nightshade or Buffalo colour scheme. If bright and breezy is more your style, choose the Copper or Azure frames and say ‘Hello’ to cool colours! The pallet combination will ensure that these specs match with so many outfits, adding some zest to your style.

Perhaps you want to stay clear of a square shape? Be eccentric by choosing from the Specs Addict Round frames. Ultimately inspired by John Lennon and creating an entire trend for men and women in the 1970s, the round specs and sunglasses are back in vogue. With a frame name of ‘Whispered Temptation’, how can you resist adding this Old School look to your image? Keep it sophisticated and subtle with Mink or Tropical Storm, a brown and dark grey vintage colour scheme. Or will you risk it all and choose Russian Red?

 

Nothing says Old School more than the Specs Addict Rectangular shape, with the sharp edges and thinner frame. Have fun with this ultra classic look by choosing the ‘Light the Moon’ range in modest Butterscotch, a Bad Boy Green, or fun and funky Shiraz or Magenta. Get your nose out of the books and onto the streets to flaunt your face!

Specs Addict is the online fashion eyewear brand founded by Colette Griplas, who believes prescription and non-prescription eyewear, fashion, and affordability are the perfect combination. The wide range of low-cost specs provides the customer with endless choices in selecting a different frame for every day of the week, and a different pair of shades for every outfit.

Specs Addict optical glasses cost just AED 550 and sunglasses AED 650, both including free prescription lenses if required and free worldwide delivery.

If seeing is believing, visit www.specsaddict.com.au for an Old School look that puts you in the frame.

AMINA AL ABASSI UNVEILS EXCLUSIVE PHONE COVERS AT 1915 DUBAI MALL

BAHRAINI ARTIST AMINA AL ABASSI UNVEILS EXCLUSIVE UAE-INSPIRED PHONE COVERS AT 1915 BY SEDDIQI

Dubai, UAE: Renowned Bahraini artist Amina Al Abassi visited 1915 by Seddiqi to reveal her limited edition collaboration with the brand. The decorated phone cover portrays a contemporary interpretation of UAE heritage and will launch exclusively at 1915’s Dubai Mall branch before becoming available at other 1915 outlets across the UAE.

The Dubai Mall branch is the 6th trendy location for the watch emporium, and many more are soon to open up across the UAE.  The Dubai Mall is synonymous with fashion and trends, and 1915 is the latest fashion force to open its doors in the world famous shopping destination.

The go-to destination for the latest watch and accessories is set in a buzzing, edgy retail space which calls out to a young, connected, fashion-loving community. The 442 sq foot space has been designed to be a fun and engaging experience both in-store and online through the use of a vibrant colors, a friendly and informed staff, and on-site social media sharing of the latest trends.

Watches and accessories in the store are continuously updated to reflect the changing tastes of the dynamic fashion customer and the fashion season. Leading fashion watch and accessories brands available currently include Emporio Armani, Baume et Mercier, Charles Jourdan, Etoile, Gc, Guess, Issey Miyake, Momo Design, Frédérique Constant, Movado, Mutewatch, Reflex, Victorinox and West End.

Football Game for Peace in Honour of Education and Women Rights Activist Malala Yousafzai

Malala story captures hearts in the world of football

Joel Bouzou - President and Founder of Peace and Sport, Diego Maradona
in his role as honorary ambassador of the Dubai Sports Council, as well
 as Elias Figueroa and Kashif Siddiqi representing the Football for
Peace initiative supporting Malala’s foundation

Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani girl shot by extremists whilst defending the right for education of girls, has teamed up with international footballer Kashif Siddiqi to launch a football for peace match between the UAE and Pakistan on world peace day on 21 September 2013 heightening the reach of her cause beyond Pakistan to the world through the global Peace and Sport movement.

Champions for Peace Christian Karembeu and Honey Thaljieh, with Shiza Shahid,
 Malala’s cousin representing her on stage, as well as Elias Figueroa
and  Kashif Siddiqi presenting the Football for Peace initiative commemorative shirt.

The match will be dedicated to Malala and its proceeds will go towards funding the foundation in her name. Kashif Siddiqi announced the game at the Peace and Sport Dubai Forum 2013, a pioneering event held for the first time in the Gulf and Arab region which brought together over 500 decision makers from the worlds of politics, sport and the private sector, to debate solution for peace through the use of sport, under the theme “Building sustainable peace through sport. Together.” Siddiqi praised the role of women in society and particularly his mother’s during his formative years in Pakistan. As a co-founder of the Football for Peace movement he was drawn to Malala’s story and saw her power to be a role model for the next generation of their country and beyond.

Malala, the youngest ever Nobel Peace Prize nominee is still unable to travel due to her injuries. She appeared at the Peace and Sport Dubai Forum via a recorded video message thanking the members of the organization and her supporters for their belief in her message for the right for education for women in Pakistan: “thank you so much, for bringing awareness and support of education and equality for girls, through the power of sport, on such a significant day. I look forward to visiting you in Dubai in the very near future and hope to attend the festivities with my family.”

Day 1 Round-Up of 1st Peace and Sport Dubai Forum

250 Actors for Peace Meet in Dubai

Under the Patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, and in presence of an elite selection of local and international sporting, social and government speakers, the first day of the Peace and Sport Dubai Forum 2013 took place at the JW Marriott Marquis over three individual workshops followed by a special session, setting the tone to the promising initiatives and recommendations that are expected to be the legacy of this pioneering continental forum; to establish sport as a crucial vehicle to achieve sustainable peace in the fabric of societies in the region and beyond.

  

Dr. Ahmad Al Sharif, Chairman of the Forum Organising Committee, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, as well as Joel Bouzou, President and Founder of the Peace and Sport Organization were joined by over 250 decision makers hailing from the local, regional and global entities of sport, governments and the private sector, debated and emphasised the role that sport and sportsmanship can play in the quest for long lasting peace.

The three workshops, held during the first half of the day, were framed under three topics:

Workshop one, entitles Leading the Way, discussed the role leadership can play in the vision for global peace and was kicked off with a vivid and straight shooting discussion by HE Ms. Nawal El Moutawakel, Vice president of the International Olympic Committee, followed by speeches from Egyptian Minister of Sport, Mr. El Omari Farouk El Omari, as well as Sheikh Fahim Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, former Secretary General of the Arab Gulf States Cooperative Council.  The workshop was concluded with the consensus that to instill the notion of peace through the use of sport has to be an integral vision of the leadership structure of any society and relevant organization, including but not limited to sporting associations such as the IOC as well as the private sector.

The Second workshop, entitled, Understanding the Challenges, tackled the importance of communication and harmony between all the stakeholders involved. It was animated by insightful presentation from His Excellency the Chief in Command of Dubai Police, President of the UAE talented Association Dahi Khalfan, as well Reem Asaad, an expert in economics and a woman rights activist in Saudi Arabia where she highlighted the role that grassroots sports events are playing in improving community relations in the Kingdom, in addition to Dr.Saif Alhajari, Member of the Qatar Foundation lauding the importance of government backed initiatives and structures to support the quest for peace through insuring all the ingredients are present to sustain it. All three, from their various angles of profession portrayed the importance of a national and social will to implement peace on all levels, including through the use of sports as a unifying force.

The Third and final workshop, entitled Understanding the challenges  looked into the  core of the initiatives and programs that help consolidate values of peace through sport in fragmented societies. Fueling the discussion was Mahash Al Hameli, President of the international center for the fight against violent extremism, Dr.Rania Elwani, founder of the Egyptian Olympians association and a Champion for Peace, Honey Thaljieh, Former Captain of the Palestine Women Football Team and Champion for Peace, as well as Abdulrahman Al-Hadi, Minister Plenipotentiary to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. All the speakers exchanged their experiences and views on the various challenges faced in drawing up sporting events to serve peace in their respective communities. The general agreement across the four speakers was that cultural boundaries should be respected and upheld when sport is activated for peace; the lack of adherence to local cultural issues risk representing sports into an enemy of social coherence and harmony.

Speaking at the end of one of the workshops, Joel Bouzou, Founder and President of the Peace and Sport Organization stated: “Today, we have delved deep into the concept of integrating the region’s culture into the movement, and I’m sure we’ll leave here tomorrow with our goals and aspirations for this forum met.”

After the conclusion of the workshop sessions in the early afternoon, the Peace and Sport Champions and Ambassadors held a networking session before some of them joined a number of athletes and sporting authorities including Pakistani Football Team Captain Kashif Siddiqi, Director of Operations of the Badminton World Federation Stuart Borrie, and Jon Long, Head of the Executive International Programme of the International Cricket Council, in a special session that included an open floor for discussion and debate with valuable experiences shared among those present.

The Peace and Sport Forum 2013 continues on the 24^th of April with three plenary sessions which will lead to the conclusions of the forum and draw up a concrete roadmap which will form the basis on which future steps are taken to ensure that sport in the region is used to spread the message of peace among communities. 

UniqOne Launches in the UAE

10 Wishes in 1 For Truly Beautiful Hair with Uniq One

Innovative Spanish Professional Hair Care Range Launches in UAE

Your hair is your crown and glory. You want it to shine, you want it to be smooth, you want it to be full of body, but without frizz. Sometimes, what you want for your locks seems like a far off wish... You wish you could condense all of those hair care products on your bathroom shelf into one, don’t you?

If only wishes came true...

Well, they do! Thanks to the award winning European professional hair care range, Uniq One, which is now available in the UAE. 

Launched in Spain in 2011 by The Colomer Group, the manufacturer behind Revlon Professional range, Uniq One’s All-in-One Hair Treatment is a wonder product that works by giving not one, not two, not three... but TEN essential hair care treatments in one to benefit your tresses.

The Uniq One All-in-One Treatment is the first ever leave-on hair mask that provides a total of 10 benefits for your hair. This comprehensive and versatile treatment is suitable for all hair types and can be used on wet or dry hair. It is especially perfect for the harsh desert environment conditions of the Middle East.

So, what are these 10 wonder benefits, you cry?

Simply spray on and UniqOne’s All-in-One Hair Treatment will:

1.     Repair dry and damaged hair

2.     Add shine while acting as frizz control

3.     Give heat protection

4.     Keep hair silkier and smoother than before

5.     Protect hair colour with UVA and UVB filters

6.     Make brushing and ironing hair super easy

7.     Incredibly detangle

8.     Give a long lasting hairstyle

9.     Prevent split ends appearing

10.   Add body

Yes, this certainly is a unique concept in hair treatment, which breaks the rules of regular hair care. Within one year of launch the Uniq One All-in-One Treatment mask was awarded ‘Product of the Year for Innovation’ in Spain.

The Uniq One All-in-One Treatment is distributed in the UAE by Bellis and retails for AED 100 at numerous professional hair care salons, including YinYang Connection, Nina Beauty Salon, Heavenly Spa Beauty Salon, Senses Salon JLT, Juan Salon JLT, Rindola Salon, Famous Beauty Salon, Salon Ink, Essential Salon, Beautica Salon, Cleopatra Salons, Vitalita Salon, Galinas Beauty Salon, Wish Nail Spa and Zodiac International Training Institute & Beauty Center.

Additional products in the Uniq One hair care range will be launched in the UAE in coming months.

Visit www.uniq-one.com or www.facebook.com/uniqoneuae to find out more.

UniqOne’s motto is clear and simple, trying is believing. So, what are you waiting for? Allow your hair care wishes to come true, try Uniq One now! 

Families in Dubai are invited to Family Fun Fair to raise funds for children at the Dubai Center for Special Needs

Hundreds of people are expected to attend the Family Fun Fair at the Dubai Center for Special Needs (DCSN) this Friday 26 April, to enjoy games, rides and bazaars and raise vital funds for the center.

The fundraising event will be held at the Center, located next to the Gulf News building in Dubai on Street 45, between 2pm and 6pm on Friday. Entrance is free and booklets of coupons can be paid for and redeemed on the rides and stalls with all proceeds going to support the education and services the non-profit charity offers to children with special needs.

"Having recently celebrated our 35 year anniversary we wanted to create an event open to the whole community where they can have a fun afternoon with their family enjoying lots of games and activities. All proceeds from Family Fun Fair will go towards the Centre's running costs, and towards student sponsorship," said Dr Mahshid Salehi, Director of Dubai Center for Special Needs. 

Fonterra, the world’s leading milk processor and exporter of dairy ingredients, is jointly supporting the Family Fun Fair as part of its ongoing partnership with DSCN.

"We are partnering with Fonterra who has been a great support to our cause. It is very reassuring to know that there are companies out there who want to help and give to organizations such as ours," added Dr Mahshid Salehi from DCSN. 

Kamal Gupta, Fonterra’s Managing Director for the Middle East and North Africa said, “We are in a privileged position to see first-hand the remarkable work undertaken at the Center and the support they offer to the children and their families. The Family Fun Fair is an important way the community can recognise this effort and support the charity’s long-term future.”

Dr Mahshid Salehi added, “The Dubai Center for Special Needs and Fonterra Family Fun Fair is open to everyone who would like to enjoy a memorable day of entertainment and amusement while helping the Centre meet its fundraising goals.”

DCSN is an established, not for profit institution that provides high standards of services in specialized education and therapy, for children with various disabilities. Its aim is to provide students with the resources to live a positive life. Currently the Centre accommodates 136 children with special needs who have various physical and cognitive challenges. 

ICDL Calls on GCC Support for UNRWA Schools to Modernize Education

ICDL support campaign –a project aimed at helping Palestinian students gain computer skills

Jamil Ezzo with UNRWA

Dubai, UAE ( 23 April,2013) – ICDL GCC Foundation, an advocate for ICT skills, use and safety for-all called today on governments, corporate citizens and individuals in the GCC to contribute in support of quality education and further digital literacy in the schools of UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency) that accommodate Palestinian refugee children living in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, West Bank and Gaza Strip. UNRWA estimates that youth, aged 15 to 30 years, represents 42% of the five million registered Palestinian refugees, who have been marginalised by decades of socio-political. Since 1949, the United Nations mandated agency has undertaken a number of projects that seek to train and develop the skills of the Palestinian youth in order to improve their social wellbeing and prepare them for employment

In a bid to support UNRWA’s education programmes ICDL GCC, together with one of its courseware providers Arab Scientific Publishing (ASP), has donated 5,300 ICDL courseware kits worth over US$200,000 (AED734,000), to be distributed to students in UNRWA schools in Lebanon. This is to be followed by a second donation for additional thousands of students in UNRWA schools in Jordan, Syria, West Bank and Gaza.

“Education is at the heart of UNRWA’s commitment to help you

ng refugees reach their full potential, train them to become productive members of society, and instil hope in them so they can overcome adversities“, said UNRWA Deputy Director in Lebanon, Roger Davies. “However, the UN schools for Palestine refugees are facing major challenges in securing financial support to employ computers in its teaching. The dire need for funding is not just limited to upgrading the physical infrastructure but also to improving teaching standards, so that teachers have deeper knowledge and awareness of the latest teaching methodologies“.

On March 25, Davies recognised ICDL’s support and expressed his appreciation on behalf of UNRWA and its schools. In response, Jamil Ezzo, Director General of ICDL GCC Foundation stated “We are happy to support UNRWA from within our domain. We intend to continue our support and plans to reach out to other organizations and individuals from the Gulf region to play part in UNRWA’s educational campaign and other humanitarian projects. There are a number of options by which one can support and I am certain that every organization can find from within their means to assist. The UNRWA website shows an example of how $16 only can help feed an entire family.”

In recent years, financial support to UNRWA has not kept up with the growing demand for services as a result of rising numbers and increasing need of registered Palestinian refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, West Bank and the Gaza Strip. 

HH Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Opens Birth of a Museum Exhibition Presenting Works of Art from the Louvre Abu Dhabi Permanent Collection

A collection spanning civilisations, from ancient to the present, is another major milestone for the first Universal museum in the Arab world

Birth of a Museum, the first large-scale presentation of the Louvre Abu Dhabi’s permanent collection, was opened last night by HH Sheikh Hazza Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council in the presence of a host of dignitaries including His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development, HE Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi), French Culture Minister Aurelie Filippetti, TCA Abu Dhabi’s Director General, HE Mubarak Al Muhairi, Louvre Abu Dhabi’s architect Jean Nouvel, Jean-Luc Martinez, the newly appointed President-Director of the Musee Du Louvre as well as his predecessor Henri Loyrette in addition to Directors of museums from all over the world. The exhibition is open from 22 April until 20 July, 2013 at Manarat Al Saadiyat, the art exhibition centre on Saadiyat Island and showcases 130 artworks reflecting the universal narrative of the museum.

Works include ancient artifacts from all over the world – including Egypt, Turkey, Greece, and Mali - showcasing the breadth of great civilisations and illustrating links arising from shared human experience transcending geography, nationality and history. Key historical moments are encapsulated through works such as: Joseph-Philibert Girault de Prangey’s Ayoucha from 1843 Cairo (depicting the oldest known photograph of a veiled woman); a tile of arabesque patterns from the Ottoman Empire (c. 1570); and a silk painting from Japan’s late seventeenth century, together with a delicate section of pages from the Holy Qur’an and Suras, believed to be from Syria’s late thirteenth century.

Paintings by Paul Gauguin (Children Wrestling, 1888) and René Magritte (The Subjugated Reader, 1928) are in dialogue with works by Giovanni Bellini and Édouard Manet, as well as contemporary art works by Alexander Calder, Paul Klee, Yves Klein and Cy Twombly. All works and artists have been carefully chosen to present a singular and original reading of the history of art, built around several key artistic and aesthetic questions core to the identity of the new museum. Louvre Abu Dhabi and its collection are owned by the Government of Abu Dhabi.

HE Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman of TCA Abu Dhabi said during the opening which welcomed hundreds of VIPs: “We reflect on what has been achieved over the last few years in establishing the Louvre Abu Dhabi. Birth of a Museum echoes Abu Dhabi’s historical and geographical position and we hope this growing universal collection continues bridging civilisations, celebrating diversity and connecting cultures.”

Henri Loyrette, President of the Scientific Council of Agence France Museums (AFM) and former President-Director of the Musée du Louvre, said: “This exhibition is a major milestone in the realisation of the Louvre Abu Dhabi so far as it unveils the admirable and high quality of the art works that will reflect the heart of the future Museum’s permanent collection. Moreover, this exhibition will embody remarkably the essence of the forthcoming birth of this universal museum.”

Jean-Luc Martinez, the newly appointed President-Director of the Musée Du Louvre, made his first international visit to Abu Dhabi for the opening. This trip is emblematic of his significant commitment to the project, which constitutes one of the top priorities of his upcoming mandate and policy.

A book detailing a significant part of the collection acquired to date is published and will be launched in parallel with the exhibition. This book also tells the story of the creation of the institution and the way in which a collection of exceptional quality is assembled for a museum that will mark the twenty-first century.

HE Mubarak Al Muhairi, Director General of TCA Abu Dhabi said: “Birth of a Museum translates the commitment of Abu Dhabi to create a museum collection that will reflect the cultural ambitions of our city and its leaders.”

As with all exhibitions organised in preparation for the museums in the Saadiyat Cultural District, Birth of a Museum is supported by a diverse cultural programme of talks, tours and workshops. The general curator of Birth of a Museum is Laurence des Cars with the support of a Louvre Abu Dhabi team from AFM and Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority. The museography for the exhibition was completed by architect Jean-François Bodin.

Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend At Anjelique.me With Launch of Aq UAE Jewels

As Marilyn Monroe declared whilst dazzling in pink and glitter and being whirled around the dance floor by dashing young men in sophisticated tailored suits; “Diamonds are a girl’s best friend.”

Which is why bespoke online boutique, Anjelique.me, is proud to now offer Aq uae Jewels, inspired by the purity of diamonds, 18 carat gold and the elegance of fashionable France. Every beautiful piece of jewellery from Aq uae is delicate, minimalist and contemporary, and exclusively handmade here in Dubai. The perfect gift for your very best friend waits within the delightful treasure chest that is Anjelique.me.

The bracelets from Aq uae offer you a concept that is simple and chic. Delicate and sparkling diamonds can be selected from solitaire, duo, trilogy, barrette, or even a charm. Then chose the colour of thread from a rainbow wide selection, or a gold chain. Every item is made to suit your best friend’s, loved one’s or your own personal taste, style and inclination.

Combine the simplicity of a thread with the nobility of a 0.10 carat solitaire diamond and 18 carat white gold setting (AED 1,950). The thread can be chosen from an array of colours, for instance this season’s must have green. Add extra bling and a lot more sparkle with three diamonds on the thread, making a Trilogy creation (AED 3,350). This can be placed on a fuchsia pink thread, the most vibrant of colours.

Of course, if your preferred colours are authentic gold and white gold, Aq uae are proud of this delicate selection. A yellow gold setting with a Duo of diamonds (AED 2,900) or a white gold setting with a single Solitaire diamond (AED 2,200) will look simply divine with any classic or modern style. 

For a more creative and original look, these tender pieces of jewellery can be worn with several bracelets together making a contemporary yet ultimately elegant statement.

Each bracelet can be all yours within just 15 days of placing the order. It comes with a special diamond gift certificate, Aq uae jewel pouch and shopping bag. Yes, this gift is so much more than a diamond.

Anjelique.me, the online boutique with a difference, showcases unique and high quality fashion pieces from around the world. They have no shortage of eye catching jewellery, especially where diamonds are concerned.

To find out more, please visit www.anjelique.me and be dazzled by diamonds.

British Council and HSBC kick off 2013 Kids Read programme

• Over 100 students expected to participate in a free reading event held at the British Council on 27^th April
• The theme of the reading event is ‘The Value of Money’

Kids Read - the award-winning programme, which encourages primary students to read for pleasure, inside and outside the classroom – will kick off its 2013 reading series with  a community event under the theme ‘The value of money’. The free event, which is open to the public, willbe held at the British Council on the 27^th April from 3pm – 6pm.

Currently in its second year, the Kids Read initiative developed by the British Council and sponsored exclusively by HSBC Bank Middle East Affiliates Ltd, continues to promote good reading habits amongst primary age students in government schools across 11 countries across the Middle East  and North Africa

To date, Kids Read has reached 25,000 children and aims to double this number in 2013 to reach 50,000. In the UAE, Kids Read is working closely with the Ministry of Education and 13 government schools across Dubai and the Northern Emirates. The programme currently involves 5,000 school children, 6 supervisors and 55 teachers.

Jancis McGrady, English Projects Manager at the British Council, commented: “As part of our continuous goals to promote education and cultural opportunities, we launched Kids Read to encourage reading outside the classroom and help children in the community enjoy the excitement and stimulation of the written word.

“We are very happy with our success to date and are looking forward to an enduring partnership with HSBC to expand the programme, reach more children, achieve our goals and deliver our promise to the community.”  

Four community events are held each year to raise awareness of important world issues linked to of HSBC Corporate Social Responsibility themes: Volunteerism and Helping Others, The Value of Money, Arts and Culture, and Environment.

Ammar Shams, Regional Head of Corporate Sustainability,HSBC MENA, said: “Kids Read provides the perfect long-term platform and opportunity for HSBC to give back to the community in the countries where we operate in the region. Some of our more important sustainability themes – including education and community investment - are reflected in the programme and we’re excited about what it will achieve in 2013.

He adds: “We’re also delighted to see so many HSBC employees continue to get involved with the project, by volunteering to read stories and lead arts and crafts activities with students. Many come back time and again, because they see the difference it can make to children’s lives.”

Free and open to the public, the Kids Read community events are designed to be fun and engaging, for children and families. The event on 27^th April will consist of storytelling and arts and crafts for children along with a  workshop for parents about supporting the development of children’s English language skills.

To attend the community event on the 27^th April at the British Council, please register at www.britishcouncil.org/uae.