Thursday, 28 November 2013

@dubai7s Canada beat France to kick off the IRB Women's Sevens World Series



Canada have opened their IRB Women’s Sevens World Series campaign with a comfortable victory over France at the Emirates Dubai Rugby Sevens. In the opening event of the tournament, the Canadians won 26-0.
Two tries from Bianca Farella, and one each from Ghislane Landry and Karen Paquin, with two successful conversions from Ashley Steach, and another from Landry, gave Canada a terrific start in Pool C.
The Canadians are next up against Brazil, and complete the Pool stage against Australia. France play Australia next, and finish the day against the Brazilians.

@globalvillageaeGlobal Village Celebrates Dubai’s Successful Expo 2020 Bid with Cultural Parade around Fairground



Upon the announcement of World Expo 2020 being awarded to Dubai, Global Village, the Emirate’s leading family entertainment and cultural hub kicked off celebrations with a parade around the park. As a show of support for Dubai’s triumph, each pavilion had dancers and drum players out in the parade, with performers from the wide array of acrobatic shows coming along to bring out the carnival atmosphere.


Adorned with UAE flags and banners with ‘Dubai Expo 2020’ being waved in the air Global Village called on visitors, performers, and pavilions to join in the culture parade as a celebration of Dubai’s Expo 2020 win and as a start to Global Village’s 11 day National Day festivities. 

@dubai7s and Big crowds flock to watch the legends roll back the years


There was no doubting the most eagerly anticipated match of the opening morning of this year’s Emirates Dubai Rugby Sevens: the clash of the Titans in the Invitation Tournament, as 14 legends of rugby met in the International Veterans section.
The appearance of names such as Stephen Larkham (Australia), Colin Jarvis (Wales) and Carlos Spencer (New Zealand) representing J9 Legends, against England 2003 World Cup winner Jason Robinson, and former rugby league stars including Martin Offiah, Dennis Betts and Andy Farrell proved a huge attraction.
The J9 Foundation was set up by former South Africa captain Joost van der Westhuizen after he was diagnosed two years ago with motor neurone diseason, and the legends who are now representing his charity are doing so to help raise awareness of the illness, and raise funds to help fight it.
Joining Jack is a team made up of ex Wigan rugby league players to raise funds to research into Duchenne muscular dystrophy, an incurable illness from which Jack Johnson, the five-year-old son of their former teammate, Andy, was diagnosed with two years ago.
With a collection of international caps not far short of a thousand, it was not surprising the standard was high, and the match was played in a fast paced, competitive spirit, with the respect between the two teams very evident from the off.
And it was Joining Jack who came out on top – pipping their J9 rivals 14-7, with Robinson rolling back the years to score a superb try that proved the difference between the two teams.
“It’s great to be back in Dubai at the Emirates Dubai Rugby Sevens,” he said. “Obviously the main focus will be on the World Series events, and rightly so. But it’s great for us former players to be involved, meet up with old mates and play competitive rugby in a good spirit, and for such good causes.”

@dubai7s Invitation Tournament kicks off the action at 7he Sevens



The Emirates Dubai Rugby Sevens 2013 is underway.
On a feel good day around 7he Sevens following the news that Dubai will be hosting Expo 2020, thousands have been flocking to 7he Sevens to enjoy the atmosphere, and early matches in the Invitation Tournament, taking place on the outer pitches.
The IRB Women’s Sevens World Series matches are underway from 1pm, with 18 matches on Pitch One throughout the afternoon and evening.

@AlGhurairCentre BATTLE OF THE BANDS – live competition at the AL Ghurair Centre



The final of the Al Ghurair Centre’s huge Battle of the Bands competition is taking place this weekend.

With qualifying rounds tonight and Friday from 7.30pm, eight successful entries will then go on to perform live on Saturday from 4.30-9pm on the outdoor Al Rigga Road stage.

Judged by an esteemed panel of judges and watched by hundreds of spectators at the Al Ghurair Centre in Deira – bands such as  Red House, Behold The Locus and Call of Nature will battle it out.

David Thurling, VP of the Al Ghurair Centre, said: “Al Ghurair Centre is the soul of the city and the Battle of the Bands is something that is really bringing the community together. We’re really looking forward to the event to see some new talent up on the stage, and also looking forward to giving the community and our customers a fantastic free weekend’s worth of entertainment”.

The event is part of a packed event programme of international street-theatre acts, art installations, graffiti artists, break-dancers, roaming performers and acrobats - all becoming a regular sight in and around the Al Ghurair Centre and can be watched for free.

The judges of the Battle of The Bands competition include award-winning Broadway veteran Mina, Dan Bolton, Head of Entertainment at Bareface talent and model agency, music-guru Yafei and DJ Iain Akerman otherwise known as themightyrouge.

Throughout December action and activities will remain high at the Al Ghurair Centre with the likes of the Voca People choir and Emir Corbo juggler and magician also performing free, live shows.


For more information visit www.AlGhurairCentre.ae

@DubaiCreekGolf Dubai Boating Enthusiasts Set Sail to Dubai Golf's Pre-Owned Boat Show


Specialist Event Welcomes Buyers, Sellers and General Public to Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club

Yachting and boating fans from across the Middle East flocked to the picturesque Dubai Creek Golf Club & Yacht Club this weekend to visit the 4th annual Dubai Pre-Owned Boat Show 2013 sponsored by MIDEX AIRLINES.             
The one of a kind event saw buyers and sellers from across the Middle East conducting sales and making contacts, with the total amount of sales coming in AED15 million, an increase of AED5.5 million from last year’s show. All kinds of catamarans, boats, yachts and aquatic vessels ranging in size from 16 to 100ft were on show and available to buy.

Families and children were also kept busy with a variety of activities including the Spanish themed Bodega Island, sail boat experience, kayak and paddle-board races, as well as dance classes, a bouncy castle, face painting, wall climbing and other entertainment provided in the Kids Zone by Mumzworld.
Dr Issam Khairallah, the President of MIDEX AIRLINES, said; “Dubai, due to its location and access to premium berthing facilities, is the ideal location to own a boat or a yacht. Thanks to events such as the Dubai Pre-Owned Boat Show, now one of the top nautical events in the region, it has never been easier to gain access to experts or more cost effective to own a vessel for yourself.”
The show is a specialist event and unique in the region. Supported by event partner, Arabian Scandinavian Insurance Company (Ascana), the Dubai Pre-Owned Boat Show gave boat buyers intimate access to sellers, financers and insurers all on site throughout the three-day event, effectively providing them with the opportunity to ‘buy and sail’ on the same day.
Commenting on the event, Mustafa Al Hashimi, General Manager - Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, said; “We were delighted with the turnout to the Dubai Pre-Owned Boat Show 2013 and interested to discover that the majority of sales were completed on the first day of the event, whereas in previous years negotiation and closure of sale was done on the last day; this indicates strong customer trust for the show. This was particularly special considering this year’s show coincides with the 20th Anniversary of the Dubai Creek Golf Club – a major milestone in the history of the club.”

For further information regarding the Dubai Pre-Owned Boatshow please call +971 4 295 6000 or email marina@dubaigolf.com    

@goldsgym_uae Gold’s Gym UAE Al Barsha turns One

A community club for families and residents

Gold’s Gym UAE celebrated the first anniversary of their Al Barsha club in strength and style. Mrs. Amal Khammas, wife of Mr. Mohammad Khammas CEO, Al Ahli Holding Group was the guest of honor for the ladies only club celebration and Mr. Khalid Majid Khalfan Bin Thenaiyeh Manager, Al Barsha Mall honored the celebrations at the mixed club. The celebration separate for ladies only club and mixed club was spread across two days comprising of Zumba, Bootycamp, Body Step, an Abaya Fashion Show, along with performances from members, staff and children .
Turning one since its inauguration in November 2012, the club has achieved many milestones as well as the heart and body of almost all the fitness enthusiasts at Al Barsha and nearby. With over 2500 members and 40 staff, Al Barsha club boasts of the second largest membership amongst all Gold’s Gym clubs in the UAE. The club has set the stage for remarkable events in the UAE ever since its opening; kick starting with first ever Fat to Fit Grand Finale, hosting the WWE superstar Kevin Nash on behalf of IGN convention over a meet & greet along with the press conference, supporting the Dubai Municipality ‘Your Weight in Gold’ campaign, by providing free BMI analysis and gym passes to participants, the UAE Rugby Team visit and more.
The Gold’s Gym UAE’s exclusive fitness challenge, Fat to Fit 2013 enrolled 189 participants from Al Barsha club alone. Mr. Zaini Bin Mohamad Hassan, Club General Manager, Gold’s Gym UAE says, “We aim at introducing more family oriented activities and facilities and more space for the club especially for ladies and children in the next year. We will reach out more to the community and become the best club in Dubai that will keep everyone talking about, when Al Barsha turns two”.
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About Gold's Gym UAE
Strength comes in many forms, and since 1965, Gold’s Gym has helped people around the world find theirs. When you join us, you’re joining more than a gym. You’re joining a fitness experience that comes loaded with word-class amenities, classes and trainers.
From keeping you on track to keeping you motivated, our fitness tools are the perfect companions for every fitness journey. Our gyms are equipped with a diverse set of amenities designed to make you stronger.
Gold’s Gym UAE is a member of the Al Ahli Holding Group with nine operating locations in the UAE.
Join your nearest Gold’s Gym today to start finding your strength. Now located in Business Village -Deira, Etihad Ladies - Al Khawaneej, Etihad Classic - Al Khawaneej, Al Barsha Mall and Al Mussalla Tower in Dubai, Mazyad Mall and Al Wahda Mall in Abu Dhabi. Now Open in Al Nasmah Tower, Al Nahda-1, Opening Soon in Ibn Battuta Gate & Reef Mall in Dubai, Deerfields Town Square in Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah.
Call 800-GOLDS (46537) for more information and get stronger at Gold’s Gym.

Join our community, like us on facebook.com/GoldsGymUAE & follow us on twitter/goldsgym_uae

@dubai7s Come and join the party! The Emirates Dubai Rugby Sevens is underway today


The Emirates Dubai Rugby Sevens 2013 is underway today!
This year’s festival of rugby sevens kicked off with matches in the Invitation Tournament on what promises to be a terrific day of action – and free admission!
Matches in the invitation tournament will be taking place on pitches two to seven throughout the day, with the IRB Women’s Sevens World Series getting underway on Pitch One at 1pm, when Canada face France in Pool C.
Also in Pool C is Brazil, the South American flag wavers in the women’s event, who open against Australia. Beatriz Muhlbauer, who is sidelined this weekend through injury, says it is for Brazil to perform well in Dubai so fans will come and support them when the country hosts a round of the Series for the first time in February.
“We need to show we are continuing to improve and increasing our level of rugby because we want to stay on the Women’s Sevens World Series,” she said. “We’re hosting a leg for the first time in February so we need to do well in Dubai as that will encourage people to come and watch, and cheer for, us.
“We need to improve our position in the rankings too because we have slipped from 10th to 13th in the period between the two Rugby World Cup Sevens. We need to fight against teams in and around us in the rankings, sides like China and France.”
There are 18 Pool Matches on Pitch One throughout the afternoon and evening, with defending Dubai, and overall World Series champions New Zealand, making their first appearance of the weekend in a Pool A game against Fiji at 1.44pm. USA and Ireland complete this Pool.
England, who were runners up in the overall standings after the first season of the IRB Women’s Sevens World Series, open against Tunisia in Pool B, before facing Spain and Russia – the side that stunned them in the pool stages of Rugby World Cup Sevens in Moscow back in June.
“There are very few ‘easy’ games in Sevens now so each game requires a performance,” said England’s captain Michaela Staniford. “Russia obviously stick out as a challenge, they performed well at the Sevens World Cup and have grown with their core squad over the past few years.
“Spain are also a smart rugby nation and a team that have become more and more threatening with the ball.
“We really need to focus on performance game to game, gelling as a team and getting the best possible start to the Series.”
Other than the world class action of the IRB Women’s Sevens World Series, one of the most intriguing clashes of the day comes in the Invitation Tournament’s International Veteran’s section, when Joining Jack face J9 Legends.
That match is on Pitch Four at 11.20am this morning, with Joining Jack represented by legends of English rugby league, including Andy Farrell, Dennis Betts and Martin Offiah.
They are playing in Dubai for the second year running, to raise funds for, and awareness of, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, an incurable illness from which former England player Andy Johnson's five-year-old son Jack was diagnosed with two years ago.
Up against them will be some of the most famous names in recent rugby union history representing The J9 Foundation.
This is a charity set up to raise awareness of the debilitating motor neurone disease, set up by the South African legend Joost van der Westhuizen, who was diagnosed with it two years ago.
And wearing the J9 colours will be a team of former internationals - including Carlos Spencer of New Zealand, Stephen Larkham of Australia and Colin Charvis of Wales – with a combined 500 international caps between them.
For all Thursday’s fixtures, visit the tournament website: http://www.dubairugby7s.com/teams-and-results/2013/2013fixtures.aspx?code=wsws

Wednesday, 27 November 2013

Less than 2 days to go till @dubai7s and Emirates Dubai Rugby Sevens continues to reach new highs!



It is the ultimate festival of rugby - where the world’s best players mix with the most enthusiastic amateurs, cheered on by the most passionate fans.
This year, up to 100,000 visitors will once again visit the Emirates Dubai Rugby Sevens to support 16 teams taking part in the second round of the men’s HSBC Sevens World Series tournament, and 12 in the opening round of this season’s IRB Women’s Sevens World Series.
Not just that - a record breaking 213 teams are taking part in the event’s Invitation Tournament, making it the biggest and best ever.

In the HSBC Sevens World Series, defending overall champions New Zealand set the standards for this season’s campaign with victory at the Gold Coast opening round last month. But England were in great form too, finishing third, and with four Dubai titles to their credit are now eyeing number five under new coach Simon Amor.
“After making a promising start to the series in Australia, we’ll be doing everything in our power to take another step forward at 7he Sevens,” said Amor. “England always get great support in Dubai and it undoubtedly gives us a real lift. It’s a great environment to play in.”
Amor’s predecessor with England was Ben Ryan, who has now accepted the fresh challenge of leading Fiji. Ryan led England to back-to-back wins in Dubai in 2010 and 2011, and has now set himself the goal of leading Fiji to a first Dubai title since it became an IRB Sevens World Series host venue 14 years ago.
“Dubai is always a superb tournament and as a coach here I’ve felt both the thrill of winning and the pain of losing in that incredible atmosphere,” he said. “I’ve been fortunate enough to win here twice, but amazingly Fiji hasn’t won Dubai since the World Series started back in 1999, and that is something that my players are desperate to put right.”
Dubai was proud to host the first round of the inaugural IRB Women’s Sevens World Series last year. New Zealand won that, and the overall title, but coach Sean Horan says the competition gets tougher all the time.
“We know that other teams will have gone away after World Cup and worked quite hard, so we are expecting them to come out hard in Dubai,” he said.
“We loved our Dubai experience last year, it’s a great tournament, and there’s always a great buzz about the place over all three days. We love how the crowds really get behind this event, and show their passion and support for teams and Sevens rugby.
“The crowds are great, the support is very passionate and the atmosphere always terrific. We are definitely looking forward to being back in Dubai – it’s a great place to kick off the IRB Women’s Sevens World Series and we’re itching to get our 2013/2014 campaign under way.”
IRB Tournament Director, Beth Coalter, says Dubai stands out among other rounds of both the HSBC Sevens World Series, and the IRB Women’s Sevens World Series, because it is the only one where the tournaments run alongside each other.
She said: “Dubai offers the fans and also the players something unique with so many different levels of competition taking place side by side, and with the internationals very much at the pinnacle.
“The men’s IRB teams arrive here having had a good look at each other at round one on the Gold Coast last month, where New Zealand won but the competition was fierce; and for the women this is the opening round of their World Series, so it is very exciting all round.”
Gary Chapman, Emirates’ President Group Services and dnata, said he is looking forward to another successful weekend of top class rugby, and is delighted that the Emirates Dubai Rugby Sevens remains so popular with visitors.
“The enduring popularity of the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens with the people of the UAE gives us great pride and I am in no doubt the 2013 event will live up to expectations and once again make it the number one event on Dubai’s sporting and social calendar,” he said.
“The Dubai Rugby 7s continues to grow stronger every year and we are proud to be a part of the HSBC Sevens World Series.”
Vice President of the UAE Rugby Federation, Faisal Al Zarooni, said the Emirates Dubai Rugby Sevens is yet another opportunity to build on the growing enthusiasm for the game throughout the UAE.
He said: “The UAERF will continue attaining its goal of 5000 Emirati youth playing rugby on a weekly basis by the end of 2016.
“At the forefront of our agenda has been the development of the Shaheen team. The younger Emiratis who are joining the younger squads are showing an extremely positive, committed attitude and some promising talent which will ensure the future Shaheen team.
“We have gained support from the UAE National Olympic Committee and the UAE General Authority of Sports and Youth Welfare, this has enabled us to set some solid foundations in our efforts to promote the growth of rugby across the Emirates.”
The Emirates Dubai Rugby Sevens is not just a showcase for the best rugby action, there is also a weekend of great entertainment - with a particular focus on family fun this year.
Along with the HSBC World of Sport, entertainment for children also includes Saba’a’s 7s Club, and the opportunity to learn circus tricks. For the first time, there also is a designated family entrance to 7he Sevens, and 2000 seats designated for mums, dads and their children in the Air BP stand.
Entrance to Thursday’s action, which includes the opening day of the IRB Women’s Sevens World Series event, and the Invitation Tournaments, is free. Tickets are still available at the gate for Friday and Saturday, with children under the age of 12 entering free of charge on all three days if accompanied by an adult.

@MyWamli Movember Shave-a-thon! by wamli.com

This moustache-themed charity event will take place at Capsule Arts Studio in Al Quoz, on Sunday December 1st, from 7pm-10pm. We would be delighted if you join us as we celebrate the funds raised by all the MoBro’s and MoSista’s in the UAE.

With live music by local artists, a barber shop set-up by Chivalry Gentlemen's Salon, guest appearance by This Dude Knows Food, games, and prizes for the best Mo’s – we promise there will be something for everyone!

Invite friends and family to join on our Facebook Event page.
For all press related information, please click here.

See you there, for a clean shave extraordinaire!

@MEVEG MEVEG Congress Promotes ‘Natural’ and ‘Healthy’ at MENOPE 2013


Alongside Middle East Natural & Organic Products Exhibition, MEVEG advocates increased consumption of plant based diets 
East Veg Group (MEVEG) champions the goal of increased consumption of plant based foods for better health, sustainability and harmonious living in the Middle East. Established in 2007, MEVEG has worked to formulate industry standards and benchmarks for vegan lifestyle, and will now participate in MENOPE to further increase general awareness and make a difference with ‘MEVEG Congress’.

Scheduled on December 3rd 2013, MEVEG Congress will at the Middle East Natural & Organic Products Exhibition, Dubai World Trade Centre - Hall 4 from 10 AM to 5 PM. The congress focuses on health and sustainability, and aims to educate and develop skills of individuals, home-makers, chefs, catering companies to make informed choices for future generations’ sustainability.
 “We aim to educate the attendees about the current industry trends in the Middle East, options they have when it comes to delicious vegan lifestyle. It will be interactive, with a high dose of fun and lots of food – for thought. We encourage everyone, who aspires to make the right choices to live a healthy life and how to live sustainably, to attend the conference” says Sandhya Prakash, Founder – MEVEG.
Taking place from 10 am to 5pm, this year’s congress includes 10 presentations from an esteemed group of experts including “Latest healthy eating trends” and “Food for Thought – how to improve school meals in the Middle East “.  Other sessions include “Assessing one’s body to make intelligent food choices” and a thought-provoking panel discussion on the ‘Role and Responsibilities of the Food Industry’. A plant based lunch will be served to all participants and an award presented to the best new vegan restaurant in the region.

 The event is scheduled for December 3rd 2013 at Dubai World Trade Centre - Hall 4, and is expected to be attended by over 300 food industry experts, medical and environment experts, students, teachers, women and chefs.

@citymaxhotels @TheJ9Foundation Rugby Legends raised money for Joost van der Westhuizen’s charity at The Huddle Sports Bar & Grill


It was an impressive line-up of rugby greats at The Huddle in Bur Dubai – the whole J9 World Legends team was in Dubai to support Joost van der Westhuizen’s J9 Foundation for sufferers of Motor Neurone Disease.

About The Huddle

The Huddle Sports Bar and Grill in Bur Dubai is widely recognised as one of the best bars in town for its ambiance and affordability. Home of live sports, the bar offers a fun and lively setting to enjoy an appetizing menu of finger-foods and grill items along with an eclectic beverage menu. The popular bar also hosts a dedicated area with pool tables and has a projector screen as its centre-piece along with various large plasma displays in the seating areas. www.facebook.com/thehuddlers

@britishcouncil DEVELOPING VOCATIONAL AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION CAPACITY IN THE MIDDLE EAST

  
Aptis, an innovative global English assessment tool on exhibition at the GETENERGY VTEC MENA 2013

As the oil and gas sector continues to offer growing numbers of job opportunities across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) amid increasing employment equity policies, vocational training is seen to be equally important as academic education.

While academic education has always been key to ensuring a bright future, the British Council believes that in the current increasingly competitive job market vocational life skills are also necessary for students or early career starters – not only to succeed in finding a good job, but also to help hold onto their job for much longer.

To cultivate job-ready employees who are able to meet the human resources and vocational needs of today’s sector requires that students and graduates narrow the gap between academic education and the employment sector's demand for professional soft skills acumen.

Marc Jessel, the British Council’s Country Director for the UAE, commented at the Getenergy VTEC International Conference being held at the Abu Dhabi Polytechnic throughout this week, that: “Changes in the external environment have led to increased interest globally in the importance of skills development.

“Skills development is seen as an essential element in promoting economic prosperity and in supporting young people to gain employment or create their own opportunities.  Up-skilling is seen by governments, employers and educators as gradually more crucial and there is a greater demand than ever before for employable skills.”

Support for education providers in creating skilled young people who can operate in a globally competitive and ever-changing job market, is at the very heart of the British Council’s Cultural Relations work.

“Up-skilling the current and future workforce for the oil and gas sector is critical and will be the main focus of this conference.  Skills for the 21st century will be on top of everyone’s agenda and the programme will encourage an open debate as to how everyone can respond more effectively to the challenge,” according to Jessel.

He also said that the British Council recently launched Aptis, an affordable English proficiency assessment tool that allows organisations to test the language skills of current and prospective employees.

Once Aptis has identified the English language skill gaps that exist, the British Council can provide the appropriate training courses required at each level, either through existing courses or courses tailored to an organisation’s needs.

Aptis can be put to the test at the British Council’s stand at the Getenergy VTEC International Conference.

Jessel said that the British Council would not only promote Aptis at the conference, but it would also use the platform to further explore how the Council listens and responds to the needs of employers.

“Our work across the globe has reached over 580-million people last year alone.  The UK is rightly perceived as a leader in developing collaboration between education and business.  This has resulted in positive change in vocational educational and training across many countries,” Jessel concluded.

For more information on Aptis, please visit www.britishcouncil.org/aptis


@globalvillageae National Day Celebrations in Global Village


National Day Celebrations in Global Village

Wednesday 27 November 2013 to Saturday 7 December, 2013

Concerts
December 1st                                                                                                  
§  Faisal Jassim                                                                                       
§  Aryam                                                                                                 
§  Mohammed Mazrui                                                                         
§  Jassim Mohammed                                                                                   
§  Habib Yasi

December 2nd
§  Diana Haddad
§  Saed Salem
§  Mansour Zayed
§  Balkis Ahmed

Heritage Village
Ayollah Band (Emirati Folkloric Band)                                                  Liwa Band (Emirati Folkloric Band)
From 27th November to 3rd December                                                From 27th November to 3rd December
3 times a day                                                                                                  3 times a day
                                                                   
Street Shows
USA Breakdancers - B-Extreme                                                           3D Spray Painting
Date: November 28 to 30, December 1 to 3                                        Date: December 4 to 7
3 times a day                                                                                                    3 times a day      

Street Lamp Acrobat                                                                                      Football Jugglers
Date: November 27 – 30, December 1-3                                                Date: December 4 to 7
3 times a day                                                                                                     3 times a day

Thrill Shows
Sky Wheel                                                                                                          Fire Show
Date: November 27 to 30                                                                             Date: December 1 to 7
3 times a day                                                                                                     3 times a day

Children Shows
ORBIS                                                                                                                  Moshi Monsters
Date: November 27 to 30                                                                           Date: December 1 to 2, 4 to 7
3 times a day                                                                                                    3 times a day

Shaabiat Al Cartoon
Date: December 1st,2nd, 5th and 6th
3 times a day

Other Activities
§  Lock Love for UAE – Gate 1
§  Union House
§  Al Meydan-Yola will open on December 6th
§  Army Pavilion and Parades
§  Fireworks on 28th, 29th, 30th November,  1 to 6 December 
§  Global Village parade

Daily entertainment at the Pavilions of Yemen, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, Thailand, Syria, China, India, Turkey, Morocco, Lebanon.


For more information about the timings of the shows, please contact the Call Centre on 04 3624114, or visit the Information Desk at Global Village, or visit   www.globalvillage.ae

@thetrackmeydan @TheJ9Foundation RUGBY SEVENS STARS GATHER AT THE TRACK FOR CHARITY

Rugby legends in town for the Emirates Dubai Rugby Sevens this weekend gathered at The Track for a special golf competition  to raise money for charity.
Meydan Golf teamed up with Driving Force, a local creative design company, to put on the special event ahead of this weekend's rugby bonanza. It featured a glittering array of rugby stars including Carlos Spencer, Casper Steyn and the world's greatest sevens player Waisale Serevi.
The team is inspired by Springbok's legend Joost van der Westhuisen and is named after the J9 Foundation, a charity which raises money to fund research into motor neurone disease (MND) founded by Westhuisen after he was diagnosed with MND in 2011.
“It was super amazing to be able to have our World Legends golf day at the track, it’s a great golf course that has supported the J9 Foundation brilliantly in the past with our J9 SOX golf day," said van der Westhuisen. "I was so so glad to bring all my international rugby friends to enjoy a round of golf with me there. It was an awesome day!”
For more information on the J9 Foundation and to make a donation, please visit: http://www.joost.co.za/

Stay up to date on news from The Track at www.facebook.com/thetrackmeydangolfclub .

@qube_sportsbar Festive Events at QUBE Sports Bar

Festive Events at QUBE Sports Bar

What: Santa Party
When: 6th December from 8PM to 2AM
What is it: Kick off the festive season with QUBE’s ultimate Santa Party, with Santa themed sundowners for just AED 30 and great entertainment, this event is a great way to get in the festive mood. Promotions on house beverages.
What else: Get creative with your costumes. Prizes for the best, including a night’s stay at The Meydan Hotel, dinner at Prime, and Lunch at Masala. 
Entry: Free
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What: Christmas Day Lunch
When: 25th December from 12:00AM to 4:00PM
What is it: Join us at QUBE for a traditional Christmas lunch with a splash of sporting sophistication.  Open from 10am on Christmas day, not only have we got great food but we’ve got great views of The Track golf course to match.  After you’ve over-indulged at lunch, why not challenge the family to a game on one of our pool tables, dart boards or shuffle board to help work off some of that turkey?
Prices:
AED 199 : Lunch including soft drinks
AED 279 : Lunch including house beverages
Children prices: Above 12 years AED99 under 12 years for free
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What: NYE Rock ‘n’ Roll Extravaganza
When: 31st December 8PM-2AM
What is it: See in 2014 with our NYE Rock ‘n’ Roll Extravaganza. Join us for a spectacular night of music with a live Rock ‘n’ Roll band playing classic hits.  We’ve got fantastic drinks specials throughout the night as well as a complimentary Champagne toast at midnight so help you ring in the new year in style. 
Price: AED 179 Buffet per person
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What: New Year’s Day BBQ
When: 1st January from 12:00AM to 4:00PM
What is it: What better way to start the New Year than with a sumptuous sizzling BBQ on our sweeping terrace overlooking The Track golf course?  We have drinks specials running all day from just AED20 to keep the party atmosphere going all day at QUBE. 

Price: AED 199 including House Beverages

@AbuDhabiArt Abu Dhabi Art 2013 Wraps Up an Edition that Redefined the Art Fair Experience


The fifth edition of Abu Dhabi Art presented a broad spectrum of art and design, registered unprecedented sales and hosted its most diverse public programme to date
A world-class display of quality art that ranged from monumental works to small scale creations, and curated exhibitions to solo performances; a stimulating array of talks and discussions by luminaries from the art world; and a multi-sensory public programme encompassing art, music, dance, poetry and films - these were some of the highlights of Abu Dhabi Art 2013, which closed on November 23.
50 leading galleries from around the globe presented modern, contemporary art and design by more than 400 artists at Manarat Al Saadiyat on Saadiyat Island. The event attracted a growing number of collectors and well-known personalities such as designer Rick Owens, Ferrari Chairman Luca di Montezemolo and collector Guy Ullens, as well as representatives of more than thirty esteemed art institutions such as The British Museum, Musée du Louvre, Musée Rodin, Solomon R Guggenheim Foundation, Musée d’Orsay, Tate Modern, Musée l’Orangerie, Musée Guimet, Musée du Quai Branly, Moderna Museet, Musée de Cluny, Qatar Museums Authority, Sharjah Art Foundation and Centre Georges Pompidou, underlining Abu Dhabi’s position as an international cultural centre and art hub.
The new Artists’ Waves section of the fair presented works by artists selected by a curator rather than the artists’ galleries. This part of the fair was designed to reflect the dynamism of new artistic movements and shifting perceptions of art, and featured a relaxed salon-style setting that offered an innovativeway for visitors to interact with the galleries and to discover new artists.
Another new feature of the fair was the Small is Beautiful exhibition. This addition to Abu Dhabi Art’s popular Art, Talks and Sensations programme, curated by Fabrice Bousteau, featured small scale artworks by artists such as Jean Michel Basquiat, Erwin Wurm and Subodh Gupta. Describing it as ‘the smallest art fair in the world’, Bousteau presented the artworks on tables under spotlights in a darkened area to create a spectacular visual experience.
At the other end of the spectrum, the fair featured an expanded Beyond section with 11 monumental works such as Jukhee Kwon’s waterfall-like paper installation ‘Arabesque dream’ and Hassan Sharif’s outdoor installation ‘Iron No. 5’.
For Abu Dhabi Art 2013, galleries brought a very wide variety of art, ranging from monumental museum quality works to small works on paper, and from iconic pieces by masters to experiments with new media by dynamic young artists. With price points ranging from $ 2,500 to more than $ 23,000,000, there was something for everyone. The fair attracted buyers from across the region, as well as international collectors and museums. Despite a few hours on the second day being lost due to severe weather, galleries reported strong sales, right from the vernissage up to the last hour before closing.
The expanded Abu Dhabi Art Design programme showcased a wide spectrum of avant-garde designs and highlighted the UAE’s unique aesthetic, with a special focus on architecture. The centrepiece of the Design programme was a structure made from recycled cardboard rolls by legendary Japanese architect Shigeru Ban. The specially commissioned work housed the Design Souq featuring products, talks, demonstrations, and workshops by Emirati and international artists and artisans.
The public programme was the fair’s most diverse to date. Art, Talks and Sensations returned with a new theme of ‘Dunes and Waves’, representing the visual and transitional desert landscape and the constant rippling of the sands. The performances included Chassol’s mesmerising film and live musical performance ‘Indiamore’, a choreographic depiction of human relationships by hip hop dancers Honji Wang and Sebastian Ramirez, and an installation of plants that produced sounds when touched.
The launch of Durub Al Tawaya, a performing arts programme, curated by Tarek Abou El Fetouh, took the fair beyond Saadiyat Island into the city of Abu Dhabi, by creating a route connected by cultural happenings at various locations around the city. Besides converting four public buses into travelling art installations, holding workshops and storytelling performances on boats and poetry reading sessions and hip hop dance competitions, the programme also engaged with new audiences on the streets of Abu Dhabi through public buses decorated by artists with extracts from traditional Emirati poems.  
Guggenheim Museum and Foundation Director Richard Armstrong and Centre Georges Pompidou President Alain Seban, architect Jean Nouvel and writer Anna Somers Cocks participated in stimulating panel discussions on issues related to contemporary art, design and architecture as well as in the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi: Talking Art Series, which featured in-depth conversations with contemporary artists Yang Fudong, Heinz Mack, Marwan, Hassan Sharif and Monika Sosnowska.
Emirati and regional artists, designers and filmmakers were well represented throughout the fair. Hassan Sharif, Abdul Qader Al Rais and Dr. Najat Makki were among those who participated in talks and in a discussion on the history and future of Emirati art, alongside six artists showing in the Emirati Expressions: Realised exhibition also garnering significant attention from visitors (Abdullah Al Saadi, Ebtisam Abdulaziz, Layla Juma, Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Mohammed Ahmed Ibrahim, and Mohammed Kazem).
As always, the art and design workshops were heavily oversubscribed and the Art Zone, reserved for children, was buzzing with thousands of youngsters looking to discover the artist within themselves. The Julius Baer Lounge, hosted by the leading Swiss private banking group and principal sponsor of Abu Dhabi Art 2013 also got into the artistic spirit with an artwork that offered visitors a virtual tour of Switzerland, reaffirming the fair’s theme of cross cultural exchange and blurring of geographic boundaries.
“The quality of art brought by top galleries, the presence of collectors and visitors from around the world, the participation of leading artists, curators and art professionals from prestigious international and regional art institutions in our public programme, the variety and calibre of the performances and the positive response from the community have all contributed to the success of Abu Dhabi Art 2013. The vision for Abu Dhabi Art goes beyond that of a traditional fair and the 2013 edition facilitated a deep and meaningful cultural dialogue that has enriched the art landscape, further invigorated the market in the region and reiterated the UAE’s position on the international art map,” said HE Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi).

Abu Dhabi Art,is organised by Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority, and sponsored by Bank Julius Baer Co. Ltd., is an annual platform for modern and contemporary art and design. The sixth edition will be held from 19-22 November 2014.

A short film breaking the walls of stigma and discrimination against HIV/AIDS in the Middle East & North Africa


A short film breaking the walls of stigma and discrimination against
HIV/AIDS in the Middle East & North Africa


There are nearly half a million people in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) who are living with HIV… Only 14% have access to treatment… 40% are woman, facing even fiercer discrimination than men. It is time to fight the discrimination and stigma. It is time for CHANGE.
Launching on World Aids Day 2013, CHANGE is a short film that aims to raise HIV/AIDS awareness in the MENA region. Directed by video artist Elie Ballan, the film is a joint initiative between the Regional/Arab Network Against AIDS (RANAA) and MENA Rosa, a group of women living with and affected by HIV in MENA. The film has been sponsored by UNAIDS, International Council of Women and Ford Foundation. For the first time in MENA, a group of people living with HIV (PLHIV) came up with the idea of producing a short movie on stigma and discrimination, and volunteers who strongly believe in the cause participated in the movie.

The film is a metaphorical representation of the MENA mindset against HIV/AIDs. It begins with lead actor Nabil Ghosn waking up in an empty room. The space reflects his spirit, seasoned by hardship. As Nabil exits the cold room, he passes through a ‘stigma point’ and is captured and confined to a cell along with other HIV positive patients. Nabil refuses to accept the mindset of society and fights to escape. 

The film incorporates a new concept initiated by RANAA – a paradigm shift. This reflects a shift in paradigm rather than priority, as RANAA will continue to build the capacities of PLHIV, support their activities and advocate for their rights to live in dignity.  The change is to move away from being marginalized to being agents of change and valuable members of society. It is to redefine HIV/AIDS into Human, Integrated, Valuable, Active, Inspiring, Dignified, Self-confident, in order for PLHIV to view themselves in a positive light. RANAA, through CHANGE, hopes to bring about a transformation in old habits, behavior, and ways of thinking.
HIV/AIDS has a human face. It affects friends, family, sisters and brothers. “To think that people living with HIV are the only ones affected as a result of this epidemic is a misconception. It affects us all.” ElieAaraj – President (RANAA)

The film will be launched worldwide on December 1st 2013. Please visit the Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/ChangeDec1 to watch Change.