Sharjah Ruler opens world book fair held at expo centre

Sharjah: His Highness Shaikh Dr Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qassimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, on Wednesday inaugurated the Sharjah World Book Fair. The 27th edition of the 10-day cultural and edutainment event is organized by the department of culture and information of Sharjah government at the Sharjah expo centre. 491 Arab publishers and 272 foreign publishers from around 23 countries will exhibit more than 100,000 titles, out of which 28,698 are in Arabic. The number of new editions to be put on display amounts to 57,927. The opening ceremony was attended by high profile audience, including Shaikhs, ministers and senior officials and prominent Arab and foreign publishers.

Camel milk chocolate launched in Dubai

Dubai: The UAE has added to its score of creating 'many firsts' with the launch of the first camel milk chocolate. Chocolate lovers could not get their hands off the trays filled with camel milk chocolates at the world launch that took place on Wednesday at the Madinat Al Saalam in Dubai on Wednesday

Manufacturer Al Nassma united professionals from many parts of world to create the unique chocolates. It was a moment of truth for those who worked behind this project. They waited anxiously to get a feedback. While some said it’s too sugary some others said there was a lingering taste, but all agreed that the experience was no less sensuous.

UAE prepares for Haj season

Abu Dhabi: Mohammad Obaid Al Mazroui, Head of the UAE Haj Mission, reviewed the work of committees assigned for inspecting residential complexes rented by Haj operators for pilgrims.

Al Mazrouri said, on returning from Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, that inspectors examined residential units rented by licensed Haj contractors.

He said some 153 accredited Haj operators had leased 235 buildings in the two holy cities of Makkah and Madina of which 228 were given clean bill for satisfying the hygienic requirements set out by the general authority for Islamic affairs and Auqaf in coordination with Saudi Haj authorities.

The official urged Haj operators to do their best to serve pilgrims so as to perform the fifth pillar of Islam comfortably and safely.

Big response to Abu Dhabi education exhibition

Abu Dhabi: The first two opening hours of the NAJAH exhibition attracted busloads of parents, professionals and more than 1,000 enthusiastic students seeking education, counselling advice and career paths, witnessed Gulf News on Sunday.

The NAJAH Education Training Careers exhibition is taking place at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre from October 19 to 21, featuring over 100 national and international companies and universities looking to recruit new talent.

Other booths such as the Ministry of Education and the Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC) offer consultation and advice for high school students who are indecisive about which university to enter.

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Senior Supervisor and Psychologist at the ministry, Ahmad Eid, said that a total of ten psychologists are rotating each day to offer advice and consultation to parents, job seekers and students.

"We sit with students or job seekers and try to analyse their character and listen to their concerns. They fill out a questionnaire which allows the psychologist to understand the individuals' character. We do all we can to advice people on their areas of strengths and what field or area of study they should pursue," said the official.

One of the ministry psychologists, Hajar Al Hussani, spoke to over 20 individuals in less than two hours. "I haven't even had time to have my morning coffee. I am impressed with this year's exhibition; I feel there's more interest and enthusiasm from both students and job seekers."

Even though it's his first appearance in the NAJAH exhibition, Dr Mugheer Al Khaili, Director-General in the ADEC, is impressed with the quality and presentation of the exhibition. "I am especially impressed with the new scientific research centre offering inaugurated by Shaikh Khalifa University ten days ago and expect it to be ranked among the top 100 universities worldwide soon. It's apparent today that universities are encouraging students to enter the science field."

Mohammad Al Daheri, the Director of the Abu Dhabi Education Zone (ADEZ), feels the exhibition helps in simplifying a student/parents choice when selecting a particular university or job. "There's so much variety for students to select from. National and international organisations all under one roof."

Christine Weaver, Exhibitions Director for IIR Middle East (who are the organisers for NAJAH) told Gulf News that approximately 550 schools have been approached to take part in the exhibition. Students attending NAJAH come from Abu Dhabi, Dubai and the Western Region.

The 2007 NAJAH exhibition witnessed 4,000 visitors, expected number this year is 6,000. "There's more awareness and interactive activities this year from students, parent and job seekers. Visitors who attended last years NAJAH exhibition realised that they walked out with ideas and an insight on what they want to do," said Weaver

Ajram to perform at inaugural Arab-Russian gala in Dubai

Dubai: Lebanese pop sensation Nancy Ajram will perform at the inaugural Arab-Russian Gala in Dubai next month. The event is being held at Madinat Jumeirah on November 6.

A number of elite Russian artistes, including 2008 Eurovision Contest winner Dima Bilan and ballet duo Nikolai Tsiskaridze and Ilze Liepa, also form part of the evening line-up. The gala will include a charity auction to raise funds for the Rashid Paediatric Therapy Centre, the Welfare Association, a leading Palestinian non-government organisation, and the construction of the first Russian Orthodox Cathedral in the UAE, Parish of Saint Philip.

Sergey Krasnogor, Consul General of the Russian Federation in Dubai, said the event marked a historic moment in relations between the two countries.

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"We support all activities and business initiatives between the two countries and hope to organise more meetings to discuss further opportunities on both sides," he said.

The initiative was instigated by London-based event organiser Ensemble Productions and the Russian-Arab Business Council in Moscow in conjunction with the Centre of Social Communications.

Lifetime Achievement award for Jane Fonda

Abu Dhabi: After more than half a century in Hollywood, Jane Fonda refuses to wallow in typical celebrity fluff. On Wednesday night, the two time Oscar-winning actress was honoured with Lifetime Achievement award by Middle East International Film Festival (MEIFF) and Cinema Verite.

In an interview prior to accepting the award, the 70-year-old actress said, "In all honesty I have received many of these awards and as you'd probably imagine it's not like collecting an Oscar and the trophy just gathers dust in a cabinet. Picking up an award of this nature is not exactly the high point in your career. However this one is different and I really mean it." Known for her feminist causes, Fonda feels that her film Barbarella that was directed by her then-husband Roger Vadim in 1968 could have been one of cinema's great films.

National Geographic ties up with UAE media firm

Abu Dhabi: National Geographic Entertainment will tie up with Image-nation Abu Dhabi to produce 15 documentaries and movies over the next five years, a senior executive of the global media company said on Saturday.

"We will be doing films on this region using local talent, producers and local writers," said Tim Kelly, president of National Geographic Global Media.

"We want to tell global stories to a global audience," he added. The two companies plan to commit $100 million to the projects.

The plan was announced yesterday by Kelly and Edward Borgerding, CEO of Image-nation Abu Dhabi, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Abu Dhabi Media Company.

National Geographic Entertainment, a division of National Geographic Global Media, said the films will be budgeted between $5 million and $60 million.

National Geographic said it would like to hear the ideas first. "We would like to see what comes from the woodwork before we pick our first project," Kelly said.

He said it was very hard to get directors and writers for the project via the Western studios.

Image-nation Abu Dhabi was launched last month to develop, finance and produce full-length feature films and digital content for Arab and global markets. From its base in Abu Dhabi, the company is establishing partnerships with international producers to develop and produce content for distribution internationally.

Conference: UAE aims to boost cultural ties with Spain

Abu Dhabi: Saqr Gobash Saeed Gobash, Labour Minister and Chairman of the National Media Council (NMC), stressed the significance of the UAE's participation in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) days in Madrid, from October 13 to 15, with a top delegation.

Gobash, said the step taken by external media department at the NMC to coordinate the participation of the UAE in the event, "is an important step towards boosting cultural, economic and media dialogue between GCC countries and Spain in particular."

UAE's best camels on show in capital

Abu Dhabi: The four-day Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition, 2008 (Adihex) starting on Wednesday will feature the world's biggest camel auction and an auction for hybrid falcons. The show will be held at the Abu Dhabi International Exhibition Centre.

The show that aims to highlight the culture and heritage of the UAE is organised by the Emirates Falconers' Club, the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (Adach), Sorouh Real Estate and the Abu Dhabi Sports Council.

Addressing a press conference here yesterday, Mohammad Khalaf Al Mazrouei, Chairman of the Organising Committee, said 526 companies from 37 countries have confirmed their participation in the evnt, an increase of 22 per cent from the last edition. Apart from the camel and falcon auctions, this year's Adihex will also feature a horse show for yearlings up to three years of age. The Saluki beauty contest, art competitions and other traditional hunting activities are also part of the event.

Highlight

About 80 of the UAE's best camels donated by Shaikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE, will be auctioned off and the proceeds will go towards camel research.

The falcon auction, aimed at protecting endangered wild falcons from extinction, will this year feature hybrid birds instead of wild ones.

With starting prices fixed between Dh20,000 to Dh40,000 for falcons based on their type (Barbari, Gyr Shaheen, Biyour), size (16 to 18 inches) and weight (1,100 to 1,400 grams) the falcon auction is expected to be a big draw.

Adihex visitors will also get to enjoy folklore and other cultural shows while a painting and photograph exhibition highlighting the UAE's culture and heritage will also be held on the sidelines.

A permanent security committee has been set up to oversee licensing of hunting weapons, ease paper work and to raise awareness on the acquisition of such weapons, the organisers said.

SRK launches UAE housing project

Dubai, Oct 6 (PTI) Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan on Sunday teamed up with a UAE-based real estate firm to launch a $2.17 billion signature beachfront residential project in the gulf country.

The development project, a tribute by King Khan in response to the love and affection shown by the people of the UAE to Indian cinema, Shah Rukh Khan Boulevard will be located on the Dana Island in Ras Al Khaimah.

This is the latest in the series of endorsements and signature developments that are coming up in Dubai with names such as Brad Pitt, Boris Becker and Tiger Woods continuously doing the rounds.

SRK will work closely with Los Angeles based architect Tony Ashai in the design concept of the beachfront community comprising 10 residential towers, it was announced during a press conference here.

Announcing the project with TSA Group, Shah Rukh Khan said, "Indian cinema has enjoyed strong emotional ties with the UAE and Arab cine-goers for decades. The Arab world is Hindi film industry's strongest foreign market".

"Shah Rukh Khan Boulevard is my tribute to the love and affection shown by the people of the UAE to Indian cinema. I have lent my name to the project and I intend to share and transfer my passion for design and living spaces into this world class community that residents will be proud of."

Scheduled for completion in 2012, Shah Rukh Khan Boulevard will have residences including specially designed studios, and one-and two-bedroom apartments and townhouses. It will also have beachfront features piers and boardwalks besides marine sports and leisure facilities.

Theatrical extravaganza wows Eid crowds

Dubai: Shaikh Majid Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, attended the premiere of the acclaimed play The Return of the Phoenix presented by the Rahbani family on Wednesday as part of "Eid in Dubai" celebrations.

Shaikh Majid was welcomed by Laila Suhail, CEO of the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) Office, and Ebrahim Saleh, Coordinator General of the DSF Office.

The play attracted a sell-out crowd at the Airport Expo Dubai and premiered as one of the main highlights of the new initiative organised by the DSF Office along with National Bonds, the founder sponsor of the event.

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The Return of the Phoenix was a dramatic spectacle that delighted families celebrating the Eid holidays, enthralling people of different cultural and religious orientations as they witnessed the Rahbani family's flair for artistry, drama and music.

The theme of the play is inspired by a great war that brought out the people's undying love for Byblos.

Celebrations set to brighten weekend

Dubai/Sharjah: After the popularity of two days of entertainment and celebrations, Eid Al Fitr activities are set to continue into the weekend.

Not only did residents of the UAE throng to the Emirates' malls, parks and special Eid activities, but the festivities also attracted regional visitors.

Sa'adoun Ganem and his three children from Iraq, said that they have never enjoyed Eid as much as they did this year.

"The fuwalla tent at the mall was an innovative idea and my children were so thrilled to be given Eid sweets," Ganem said. "Being a fan of classical music, I liked the solo musicians and I also listened to the music band on stage in Festival Centre."

The family attended the Dubai Festival City celebrations, as part of the 'Eid in Dubai' initiative.

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Fireworks
Fireworks displays have also captivated audiences from the UAE and abroad, and are set to continue in some places this weekend.

Dubai Airport Expo has also been home to numerous shows, including Barney's Magical castle and 'Return of the Phoenix' by Osama Al Rahbani, which provided afternoon and evening entertainment for all.

Dubai's parks are continuing to entertain children and their families, with camel, horse and pony rides, inflatable and electronic games and face painting.

No doubt the public parks will still be drawing hundreds of visitors, who have taken time out to enjoy the emirate's green spaces. From barbeques to football on the grass, locals and residents alike have celebrated Eid with in true festive spirit.

Celebrations in Sharjah
Al Qasba is hosting a series of activities for families during the Eid Al Fitr holidays. The four day festival started on Tuesday and continues until tomorrow, from 6.30 pm to 1.00 am.

The celebrations at Al Qasba include Al Qasba Musical Fountain Shows, firework shows, great beats from traditional Arabic bands and activities for children and adults.

Popular for its heritage activities, Al Qasba hosts exciting events for its visitors including traditional seating areas for families to relax in while sipping homemade Qahwa (traditional coffee) and munching delicacies, including the famous Emirati sweets Luquaimat made on the spot by UAE nationals.

Silk Road theme
The Al Qasba celebrations also provide a multicultural experience, with the Ramadaniat Al Qasba "Silk Road" theme. Pavilions of a few Silk Road representative countries display across the Al Qasba walkways, including China, India, Iran, Italy and the Levant Region and each country will represent its traditional band and music.

Annual Robotics Competition to be Held on October 13

ABU DHABI — The third annual robotics competition for middle-level and high school students will be held on October 13 at the Al Mawaheb Model School for Girls in Abu Dhabi.

The event, called UAE National Robot Olympiad (UNRO), will be hosted by the Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC).

“The Robot Olympiad is a valuable means to get students to consider the study of science and technology as a career and to produce valuable inventions that will benefit our society,” said ADEC Director-General Dr Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili.

The competition will have two categories - the Regular Category for High Schools, and the Open Category. The theme for the Regular Category is ‘Recycle Keeper’ and for the Open Category ‘Saving Global Environment’.

During the competition, teams will be instructed to solve basic problems within a specified time by using a set of standard mechanical parts.