Monday, 5 May 2014

@DubaiSchoolsFC Dubai Schools Football Cup Champions Claim their Prize and head to Old Trafford



40 Dubai School Students and their coaches to watch Man U play at Old Trafford

The first Dubai Schools Football Cup (DSFC) Champions are heading to the UK tomorrow to claim the Cup’s grand prize, a 3-day trip and packed football program at Old Trafford.

As part of the Grand Prize, first place winning teams in all four categories, Lycée Français International Georges Pompidou in U15 and Dubai National Schools Al Barsha in U12 for the boys and St. Mary’s Catholic High School in U16 and U13 for the girls, will attend a Premier League match with football legends Manchester United, courtesy of DSFC Main Sponsor Chevrolet.


Emirates NBD, one of the main sponsors, will be offering the winners of the ground breaking 8 week tournament the opportunity to participate in a training clinic run by Manchester United coaches at Old Trafford training ground.

The inaugural 2014 DSFC Cup, a partnership between Dubai Sports Council and Inspiratus promoting active healthy outdoor lifestyles in line with national directives proved to be very successful, bringing together over 1,800 students and 100 teams from 50 public and private schools in a tournament that fostered the values of leadership, humility, collaboration and team work among the students.

 “Through our sponsorship of the DSFC, we witnessed firsthand how football can touch lives, provide opportunities and bring about positive change.  We were proud to have been part of an event that celebrates this primary value that is very close to Chevrolet and we wish the winning teams a fantastic trip,” Ahmed Soudodi, Chevrolet Regional Brand Manager said.

“We believe the DSFC provided an opportunity to make a lasting impact on a generation of young kids from across the world, who call the UAE their home, through the power of football. We are delighted, through our sponsorship, to offer the winners, a unique opportunity for the winning teams to connect with football’s legends and undergo training with a Manchester United coach," said R. Sivaram, Senior Vice President - Head of Retail Assets and Cards Business at Emirates NBD.

“The DSFC proved beyond a doubt that football is more than a ball, two goals and a pitch. The young players demonstrated week after the week that it’s about teamwork, dedication, commitment, leadership, the passion to excel, and above all, great sportsmanship. We believe the DSFC winners are not just champions, they are youth Ambassadors of leadership and healthy lifestyles, proudly representing Dubai and the UAE,” said Dr. Ahmed Al Sharif, Secretary General of Dubai Sports Council.

“It was an honor to bring this tournament to life with our partners, Dubai Sports Council and our sponsors Chevrolet and Emirates NBD and we look forward to a growing partnership for many years to come. We are delighted that the DSFC has become the new home of Dubai’s youth football enthusiasts, and look forward to hear about the students’ experience in the UK,” said Hussein Mrad, CEO of Inspiratus.

The first edition of the DSFC, a partnership between Dubai Sports Council and Inspiratus, was held in under the auspices of the Dubai Education Zone and played on the grounds of Dubai Sports City under the expert guidance of former Real Madrid Star and football legend Michel Salgado.


@figsandrougeuk Stay oh-so-pretty with Figs & Rouge playful Pomegranate

Keep your lips perfectly pouting and pretty in pink with the mouth-watering Pomegranate Balm from celebrity beauty favourite, Figs & Rouge.

100% natural, petroleum and paraben free, the Pomegranate Balm is a vitamin packed skin conditioner that is delightfully sweet and delicious! Incredibly moisturising for intensely silky smooth lips, hands, face and feet, it’s also an excellent travel essential to keep it in your handbag for all your moisturising needs! Easily absorbed and bursting with flavour and goodness, this balm will keep your lips and skin in radiant condition.

English actress, Emma Watson, considers Figs & Rouge a beauty product favourite saying, “I am obsessed with organic skincare and was overjoyed to see how beautifully packaged Figs & Rouge products are,” referring to the 17ml Pomegranate tin, which is designed with an elegant vintage pattern, making it unique and highly collectable!

What’s more, the Pomegranate balm is an excellent multi-tasker and can be used…
-           To shape your eyebrows, keeping them in good shape and condition
-           As a skin primer under foundation to even out tone and texture
-           Under lipstick as a lip conditioner
-           To keep cuticles and nails in tip top shape
-           To dab on dry patches around the eyes, lips and nose without disturbing your make-up

The Figs & Rouge multi-tasking lip and body balms retail for AED 30, while the hand creams retail for AED 45 each. Both are available at outlets including Boots the Pharmacy, Organic Foods & Café, The Change Initiative and Make-Up Etc.


Stay oh–so-pretty with Figs & Rouge playful Pomegranate!

@HolidayInnDubai Holiday Inn Dubai—Al Barsha set for LIVE IPL action on large screens

Holiday Inn Dubai—Al Barsha set for LIVE IPL  action  on large screens

Holiday Inn Dubai — Al Barsha will raise the pitch of cricket fever as lovers of the game join a horde of enthusiastic fans watch the Indian Premier League (IPL) live on large screens at The Q from April 16 to June 1.


"Cricket has always been a popular entertainer in the UAE for decades and the cricketing world has witnessed some very historic matches on UAE soil. The IPL coming to the UAE has taken cricketing in this country to a new level altogether. And what better way to celebrate it than to be at The Q," says Mr. George Sarkis, Director of Food and Beverage.

The Q is Holiday Inn Dubai — Al Barsha's speciality Sports Lounge. The modish circular bar and the plasma screens including a wall-sized cinema complements the exhilaration of guests, who can get comfortable in the plush sofas or join the cheering at the bar as the action comes alive on the large screens.

"Holiday Inn Dubai — Al Barsha has fantastic offers and promotions to boost the high spirits of our guests and keep them excited through the season," reveals Mr. George. "We have a Happy Hour offer of 30% off on selected beverages from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm every day. Guests can also indulge in a bucket of 4 beers @AED 120/- during the season outside of the happy hours."

 "To add to the euphoria of the matches and raise the adrenaline of our guests we also have special promotions. Have fun with “Predict-n-win” guess the score and win great prizes. Challenge your knowledge with sports trivia while enjoying the live games.
 continues Mr. George.

Set in the heart of New Dubai, Holiday Inn Dubai – Al Barsha caters to a wide range of preferences, be it traditional or modern. The hotel has 310 rooms including 54 suites. Each room is equipped with the latest facilities, tastefully decorated to meet every guest’s needs and comfort. Business houses have access to various choices of conference venues equipped with state-of-the-art technology. Completing the Holiday Inn experience are the award winning restaurants 'The Royal Budha'(Thai), 'Gharana' (Indian) and 'Xennya Terrace' (Arabic) as well as bars, banquet facilities and impeccable service.


For more information please visit: www.holidayinn.com or www.hialbarshadubai.com

@NBarDubai NAIL COUTURE STRAIGHT FROM L.A.

 

NAIL COUTURE STRAIGHT FROM L.A.
LAUREN B. BEAUTY LAUNCHES EXCLUSIVELY AT N.BAR IN DUBAI

This May, straight from L.A., Lauren B Beauty is getting ready to paint the city with a glamorous collection of couture nail products, exclusively at N.BAR.The first in the Middle East to launch Lauren B’s exclusive range of “five-free” polishes, N.BAR continues to set new benchmarks in the grooming industry with their exclusive range of eco and vegan-friendly products. Adding a touch of Hollywood glamour, the unique collection is both good for your nails and fashionable at the same time.
Inspired by the latest runaway trends and perfectly created to offer long lasting glossiness and chip-free finishing for up to 2 weeks, there is the perfect tone to match your nail persona, leaving your nails looking as shiny and fabulous as ever.
With fashion-forward shades inspired by the city of L.A., the Lauren B. Beauty nail colors are a must-have for every woman. Visit one of N.BAR’s nail boutiques and discover your LA personality! #I’mSOLA
HOLLYWOOD BLVD
A dusting of metallic glitter delivers just the right amount of night-owl sparkle – superchic layered over dark polish or simply on its on.
DOWNTOWN SKYLINE
Flecked with silvery shimmer, this mesmerizing deep blue-grey looks offhand and cool with jeans and a tank, or it can give just the right of edge to an evening look. 
WHERE’S MY OSCAR?
A gilded glow that looks warm and elegant, not frosty. And its sheer finish makes it unusually appealing on both pale and dark skin.
VENICE BEACH VENUS
The prettiest teal green – the effect is dazzling and playful, with a bohemian appeal that’s made for summer weekends.
#IMSOLA
A deep raspberry pink with sophisticated blue undertones, this looks of-the moment-cool – as well as California chic.
Prices for Lauren B products begin from AED 65.
For more information, please visit www.nbaruae.com
N.BAR
For reservations
Palm Strip Mall: 04 3461100
Emirates Towers Boulevard: 04 3301001/
Ibn Battuta: 04 3669828
Grosvenor House Hotel: 04 3999009
CityWalk: 04 3443368
Green Community: 04 8853434
Al Ghurair City: 04 2289009
Garhoud: 04 2831200
Website: www.nbaruae.com
Facebook: facebook.com/nbardubai
Instagram: nbardubai

Email: info@nbar.ae

Saturday, 3 May 2014

@AbuDhabiMedia Abu Dhabi Media launches three applications at Abu Dhabi International Book Fair

Abu Dhabi Media launches three applications at Abu Dhabi International Book Fair
Digital applications for National Geographic, Zahrat Al Khaleej and Majid Magazines to attract wider audiences

Abu Dhabi Media, one of the fastest growing, multi-platform media and entertainment organizations in the Middle East, today launched three applications that will introduce its market leading magazines to digital audiences.
A demo application for National Geographic, Zahrat Al Khaleej and Majid are launched at Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF), which takes place from the 30th of April to the 5th of May at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.  The applications will be available to download soon.
The three new applications will be an addition to the existing application portfolio that includes both Al Ittihad and The National newspapers, which provide in-depth reporting through a unique experience and a user-friendly interface.
Mohammed Ebraheem Al Mahmood, Chairman and Managing Director at Abu Dhabi Media, said: “Abu Dhabi Media consistently works to be at the forefront of the digital market by investing heavily in diverse digital media platforms. The launch of these applications at the ADIBF reaffirms our commitment to servicing our growing readership. The new platforms will undoubtedly appeal to a new segment of readers by providing accessibility to informative and entertaining content on the go.”
The applications, that enable users of tablets and smartphones to easily access the magazines’ online past and current editions, are free of charge for six months, after which subscribers will be charged a nominal fee. Journalists can have a free one-year subscription.

“The company’s diverse digital following witnessed drastic growth over the past year. This confirms Abu Dhabi Media’s continuous adaptation to the markets latest trends especially in the digital field.” AlMahmoud concluded.

Thursday, 1 May 2014

@aworldatschool Kehkashan Basu appointed Global Youth Ambassador for ‘A World At School’ organization

Kehkashan Basu appointed Global Youth Ambassador for ‘A World At School’ organization

·         Kehkashan Basu, at the age of 13, has been appointed Global Youth Ambassador of ‘A World At School’, a London based international NGO
·         Kehkashan Basu will be working to spread awareness regarding children’s rights to education
Kehkashan Basu, the Global Coordinator for Children and Youth at UNEP and member of UNEP’s Major Groups Facilitating Committee, was appointed Global Youth Ambassador of ‘A World At School’, a London based international NGO, on 1 st April, 2014. The organization was founded in 2013 and focuses on spreading awareness on children’s rights to education.


“Education is the key to progress and sustainable development. It is an opportunity that must be provided to every child irrespective of gender, race, creed, or color” said Kehkashan Basu, adding that as a youth leader she would be campaigning for this cause and will be taking advantage of all available opportunities to facilitate the initiative.

The World At School’s mission is to eradicate illiteracy by focusing mainly on the needs and challenges of the developing countries and ensuring that every child receives the basic right to attend school by the end of 2015. As a Global Youth Ambassador, Kehkashan Basu’s duties will include organizing and mobilizing other young people to stand up for education, joining global campaign efforts in raising awareness, and engaging with local stakeholders to achieve better quality education.

@Diesel PreFall 2014

Available in all Diesel Shops across UAE end of May 2014

DIESEL – NICOLA FORMICHETTI
PREFALL 2014
WOMEN/ MEN

Inspired by Modern day heroes like Mick Jagger, Iggo Pop and Velvet Underground, the new Diesel Prefall Collection by Nicola Formichetti is tastefully designed for those with a die-hard rock‘n roll attitude. Reflecting rebel youth attitude, this collection is all about a sexy outlook with a mix of colours and graphics. The collection portrays cities such as New York and Tokyo in the 70’s and 80’s and tribes like Andy Warhol depicting the London underground scene.
Nichola Formichetti believes in real clothes for real people. Stripping down to the basic core items and creating a whole new trend is his style. He created this collection with the same creative theme for Men and Women. Graphics of animals like Crows, Moon Wolves and Leopards represent a strong and powerful attitude towards life. Colours of black, white, silver, green and RED depicting fire, along with checks and gothic fonts reflect a magical theme for the collection.
In true Diesel style, Denim and Leather are a major part of the collection. Leather now focuses on a modern biker style. 5 pocket destroyed denims, dirty denims and extreme wash are his style while Skinzee and Jogg Jeans are the ultimate iconic denim for women.
Available in all Diesel Shops across UAE end of May 2014.

@PTFB_Dubai Pascal Tepper’s Franchise Model Bearing Fruit

Pascal Tepper’s Franchise Model Bearing Fruit
Award-Winning French Modern Bakery Ramps Up Expansion With 10 New Outlets Targeted; 20 by 2017

Dubai-based Pascal Tepper French Bakery looks set to add ten outlets to its portfolio over the next three years following the signing of two franchise agreements, one each in Abu Dhabi and Qatar.

This comes just days after general manager, Michel Saab confirmed that the modern French bakery business is gearing for global growth using the franchise model.

“We have recently signed two international Master Franchise Agreements in Abu-Dhabi and (the State of) Qatar between them representing a 10-plus unit roll-out over the next 24 months. Indeed, the first of five outlets in Abu Dhabi will open before the year is out,” Saab said.


He went on to confirm that he expects to announce an additional four partners before the year is out, likely to take the Pascal Tepper portfolio to more than 20 outlets by 2017.
The regional development drive coincides with the third anniversary of the brand’s Dubai Media City flagship, a French modern dine-in bakery, the brain-child of Chef Pascal. Pascal holds the Meilleur Ouvrier de France title – a much-coveted recognition for the best French bakers that helps make the bakery a firm favourite with a loyal following.

During that time the management team ensured that a full franchise offering was developed resulting in swift recognition by the Middle East Franchise Association. The Pascal Tepper franchise team scooped the award for the Best Middle East Franchise Brand of 2013.

“As we started to reach out to potential partners it was very exciting to learn that the Pascal Tepper brand is quite well known by a number of hospitality groups around the region,’’ said Saab.
He confirmed they are actively looking for partners in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain, as well as Turkey and Iraq that have existing experience in the F&B sector, a site to establish the brand, and funding of around US$600,000.
“We are very enthusiastic about where the Pascal Tepper franchise offering is headed. We know we have a winning combination of a wonderful product, a committed team, alongside consistency in the best baking practices,” said Chef Pascal.



The flagship Pascal Tepper French Bakery is on the main drag in Dubai Media City and features a range of creations with authentic ingredients from France to ensure the same typical French taste and quality. 

@iccadubai INTERATIONAL CENTRE FOR CULINARY ARTS HOSTS ALAIN DUCASSE MASTER CLASS FOR DUBAI’S LEADING CHEFS

INTERATIONAL CENTRE FOR CULINARY ARTS HOSTS ALAIN DUCASSE
MASTER CLASS FOR DUBAI’S LEADING CHEFS

-First-of-its-kind training workshop in ICCA’s state of the art kitchens-
-Over 25 hotels and restaurants participated in the training with Sous- Vide technology-

The International Centre for Culinary Arts Dubai (ICCA) last week hosted 25 of Dubai’s top chefs for the Sous-Vide Advantage Master Class taught by Chef Christophe Larrat from Ducasse Education.

Chefs were shown how to master the easy-to-use, versatile technology of Sous Vide during a hands-on workshop in partnership with Ducasse Education,
Henkelman, TSSC, Electrolux and FusionChef.

Ingredients of the highest standard were flown in from Paris especially for the master class, and used to prepare a formal sit down lunch for the participants to enjoy the fruits of their newly learnt skills.

Sous - vide is French for “under vacuum” and describes a method of cooking in vacuum sealed plastic pouches at precisely controlled temperatures. This cooking style offers valuable benefits including minimized risk of food contamination, minimized waste, optimized conservation & maximized food freshness & flavour for all types of ingredients. Simple to set up and easy to master, sous-vide is the perfect rapid cooking method promising excellent culinary results while saving time & money for the professional chef.

Sunjeh Raja, Director and CEO of ICCA said, “We were delighted to partner with Ducasse Education and Dubai’s leading hotels and restaurants for this exciting opportunity to learn about the sous-vide method. Chef Christophe Larrat’s legacy precedes him, and hosting both him and the calibre of chefs that attended the master class allows our students a unique opportunity to be exposed to new skills and ideas in the culinary field and to further inspire them in their career progression. Ultimately, we aim to equip our students with the latest cutting edge skills, prepare them for the industry, and then support them in finding their dream placement.”

ICCA’s focus is to partner with leading brands in the industry to ensure their students are able to master international culinary techniques using state of the art equipment. It serves to foster greater collaboration across the industry, whereby industry requirements are met by providing them with the highest standard of human capital.

Chefs from Westin Mina Seyahi, Jumeirah Beach Hotel - La Veranda Kitchen, Madinat Jumeirah - Al Qasr, Hilton Hotel, Zuhour Group, Le Meridien Dubai, Conrad Hotel and St. Regis - Gordon Ramsay Restaurants, Doha Qatar - attended the master class.


@Insurance_oman Oman Insurance introduces a comprehensive Workplace Savings and Retirement Plan for the first time in the UAE

For the first time in the UAE, Oman Insurance introduces a comprehensive Workplace Savings and Retirement Plan

On the occasion of Labour Day, May 1st, Oman Insurance Company (OIC) has launched the UAE’s first Workplace Savings and Retirement Plan which helps employees to secure their future.
This new plan encourages employees to save and invest a percentage of their salary for their future. The plan also allows employers flexibility in determining eligibility and vesting conditions as well as matching contributions which are helpful in attracting and retaining staff. The new offering enables forward-thinking companies to incorporate Workplace Savings and Retirement Plan into their employee benefits offering.
The OIC Workplace Savings and Retirement plan is a fully integrated solution for employers and their employees with contribution flexibility, online access to their investment portfolio, international fund investment options and much more. The plan also offers portability that addresses changes to employment and/or residence of plan members.
Mr. Robert Pereira, OIC’s Chief Operating Officer said, “In the GCC, expatriates do not have a state pension scheme to rely on and the maximum end of service benefit is very limited. Life expectancy and disposable income continues to increase while saving options are limited and often costly. The need for a comfortable and financially independent retirement is rising. Our Workplace Savings and Retirement plan helps the employees to meet these goals.”
Speaking about the new product Mr. Patrick Choffel, OIC Chief Executive Officer, said “A company that invests in its employees is a company that becomes an employer of choice. The Workplace Savings and Retirement Plan is a new solution in the region that provides employers and their employees’ flexible and tailor made savings and investment opportunities. In the crowded UAE job market, employee quality and loyalty is becoming a rare commodity. Access to an intelligent, flexible and easy to use Savings and Retirement Plan will help attract the best candidates and enhance corporate performance. A joint contribution plan will allow CEO’s to improve employee retention and most importantly build a company that thrives to its full potential.”

“What we're bringing to the market is not just a product. It's a long-awaited solution to the concerns of employees, companies and the overall economy."