Dubai InformerDubai Informer
Information about Dubai in all aspects
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Dubai Investments Park (DIP), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dubai Investments, is investing more than AED 1 billion in the hospitality sector as it aims to address the increasing demand for quality hotel facilities in Dubai. In addition to a recently launched 165-room luxury hotel, DIP will offer more than 1,500 new rooms and a wide range of amenities when eight new hotels open at the self-sustaining business, residential and leisure community in the near future.

"DIP offers the best package for business and leisure travelers with its broad selection of hotels. With choices ranging from luxury suites to high-quality budget rooms, DIP will be able to accommodate all the requirements of our value-conscious clients," said Omar Al Mesmar, General Manager, DIP.

DIP is home to the Courtyard Marriott, the first courtyard-themed hotel in the UAE. Opened in 2005, the hotel offers unique dining experiences, excellent leisure facilities and generously sized rooms and suites. By the end of 2007, DIP will also welcome the Premier Travel Inn, a 300-room joint venture by Emirates Group and UK-based Whitbread Plc that targets the budget hotel sector.

"In addition to the Courtyard Marriott and Premier Travel Inn, we will be commencing in the coming month the development of 4 and 5-star hotels, which will help us achieve our target of 1,500 hotel rooms. We want our wide range of hotels to offer top quality and great value for money, which is why we are bringing in the best international brands from different market segments," Al Mesmar added.

DIP is poised to attract holiday travelers with its proximity to key leisure destinations in Dubai being just 15 minutes away from championship golf courses; about 20 minutes from major shopping malls such as the Mall of the Emirates; and some 15 minutes away from beach facilities. DIP is also just minutes away from important business destinations, while the upcoming airport nearby in Jebel Ali facilitates easy travel, making DIP an ideal location for hotel development.

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Saturday, June 23, 2007
Cunard Line today announced the sale of QE2 to Dubai World, in a US$100 million deal which will turn the iconic liner into a first-class tourism destination at The Palm Jumeirah in Dubai.
QE2 will be delivered to Dubai World in November 2008, where she will cease her role as an ocean-going passenger vessel and be refurbished and adapted for her new home. From 2009, the vessel will be berthed at a specially-constructed pier to create a luxury floating hotel, retail and entertainment destination at The Palm Jumeirah, the world's largest man-made island.

The ship, which was launched by Her Majesty The Queen in September 1967, 40 years ago this year, is the longest-serving ship in Cunard's 168-year history, and was their longest-serving flagship. Since she came into service in 1969, she has undertaken 25 world cruises, has crossed the Atlantic more than 800 times and has carried more than 2.5 million passengers.

QE2 has been purchased by Istithmar, the investment arm of Dubai World, a wholly owned company of the Government of Dubai. Nakheel, developer of The Palm Jumeirah, is also a Dubai World company.

Carol Marlow, president and managing director of Cunard, said:

"We are delighted that when her legendary career as an ocean liner ends there will continue to be a permanent home for her that will enable future generations to continue to experience fully both the ship and her history."

Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, chairman of Dubai World, said:

"QE2 is without a doubt one of the wonders of the maritime world, and is easily the most famous serving liner in the world today. I am delighted we will be able to create a home for her on the newest wonder of the world, The Palm Jumeirah."

"QE2 at The Palm Jumeirah will become one of the must-see experiences of Dubai and of the Middle East. We are investing in creating a truly global tourism destination."

"Dubai is a maritime nation and we understand the rich heritage of QE2. She is coming to a home where she will be cherished."

Istithmar said its refurbishment programme will aim to recreate QE2's original interior décor and fittings. QE2 at The Palm Jumeirah will also include a museum celebrating the rich history of the ship.

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Saturday, June 16, 2007
When the original stars of ‘Pimp My Ride’, West Coast Customs (WCC), announced they were setting up a base in Dubai, car junkies across the emirates revved their SUV engines in delight. Four months later the revs are getting frighteningly loud as franchise holders Al Ghussein prepare for the final stages of launch.

Since announcing the deal in February, the company’s strategic development director Rami El Malak and his team have recruited 22 staff from the GCC’s automotive industry, filmed the first episode of a new reality TV show to be based at the Dubai workshop, designed their first car for UAE royalty and are in the process of finishing the WCC workshop and showroom. All while sifting through hundreds of emails from excited fans desperate to know when and where they can get their cars pimped.
It’s not hard to understand why the project is two months behind schedule. “We’ve been pretty busy”, Rami laughed, “But it’s really exciting. The response has been overwhelming. We’ll be opening in August at Al Quoz.” WCC shot to fame with hit MTV show ‘Pimp My Ride’, which saw poor condition cars being restored and customised in the US by WCC, with wild and pimp-tastic designs, including Fords with built-in fireplaces, chandeliers and cinema projectors.
Much of the appeal of the original US show spawned from the personalities involved – including owner Ryan, the appropriately named ‘Big Dane’, and electronics expert ‘Mad Mike’ - all of whom will be actively involved in the running of the Dubai workshop. “We have secured 22 talented individuals from within the automotive industry across the GCC but there will always be one member of the original US team based here, on a rotating schedule, to oversee the projects”, Rami explained.
Busy finalising the uber-stylish design of the showroom, Rami and shop manager Andrew have just returned from two days in LA where they met with WCC owner, and ‘Pimp My Ride’ favourite Ryan, to film the first episode of a new reality show based around the Dubai shop, due to air in October on the Discovery Channel.
Speaking about the trip Rami said: “Ryan has become a very good friend. He’s an amazing guy. He started the multi-million dollar business using $5,000 lent to him by his grandfather, and despite his wealth his feet have never left the ground. It’s great because he’s done all this without coming from a business background so, with our financial experience, we’re now looking at ways to help them expand the business further.”
Back to the show and the celebrity projects planned for the emirate in the coming months, Rami said: “The first of 14 episodes will see work being done on a vehicle belonging to a member of the UAE royal family, whose name we can’t reveal yet. “It’s being done in California while we get the workshop finished here in Dubai and it should look amazing when completed. We’ll also be working on Shaquille O’Neal’s car as well as Mohammed Ali’s and there’ll be a number of charity projects too. Dubai doesn’t need to be put on the map but the show will certainly give the emirate more exposure.”
And if that doesn’t do it then the planned WCC hip-hop music show, in Dubai Media City on November 22, should. Three major American hip-hop stars are scheduled to perform at the day-long car and music marathon, that will see Ryan and co re-build a car throughout the day and ten of the UAE’s most creative customisers battle it out for the ‘King of Customs’ crown.
Al Ghussein spent more than 17 months negotiating with WCC for the rights to the franchise, battling with business heavyweights across the Middle East who recognised the profitability of the brand among the region’s car-crazy residents. “There are more Porsche’s sold here per capita than in any other city around the world. It’s astonishing to say but it’s not unusual to see them on the roads here and people turn to customisation to make them that little different.”
But if you’re a ‘Pimp My Ride’ fan who would love nothing better than to see your car get the full West Coast treatment but need a serious wallet re-construction first, take small consolation in the fact the company will be selling WCC merchandise sure to add a tad more street cred to your hatchback.
Rami said: “We’re targeting two markets with two lines. We’ve got the ‘Pimp My Ride’ merchandise - sub-woofers, speakers and the like - for the 18-25 year olds inspired by the show and love cars. Then we have the high net-worth VIP market which opt for half or full rebuilds.”
We know which market we’d rather be in! If you fancy yourself as a bit of a customising genius and would like to enter the ‘King of Customs’ contest, then send pictures of your pimped-up wheels, along with your contact details, to the WCC team at info@wcc-me.com

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Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Shopping Malls Senior officials in Dubai have underscored the colossal role played by the Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) in enlivening the retail trade market, especially at the numerous glitzy malls that will play host to the main bulk of the DSS activities this year with their ample space, climate controlled pleasant interiors and salubrious environs.

Stressing that the grand summer event has effectively contributed to promoting Dubai as the leading summer tourist destination in the region, the officials drove home the fact that the DSS provides one-of-a-kind family-oriented entertainment appealing to all ages and categories.

They expect a 15-25% increase in shopping malls' sales this year comparatively with last year, besides a similar rise of 15-25% in the number of visitors compared to DSS 2006.

'Dubai has managed over the past years to inculcate its prestigious position as the prime tourist destination in the whole region,' said Saeed Al Nabouda, CEO, DSS office.

"Dubai witnesses new and innovative shopping malls opening every year, a fact which bolsters our unique position in the region as far as retail trade is concerned. The DSS 10th edition will be innovative in terms of ideas and activities. Shopping malls will be the main venue for the event's 10 surprises which will run over 72 days starting from June 21st.'

Issa Adam, the head of the Dubai Shopping Malls Group, and director general of Burjuman and Reef Mall, said: 'The Dubai Shopping Malls Group works in unison with the DSS Office and different bodies concerned with the common objective of turning the summer months the most attractive for Dubai's visitors by introducing exciting entertainment events and valuable prizes.'

"The Group is now completing the final stages of its promotion that will be announced the soonest possible,' he said, noting that the prizes to be unveiled during the 10th edition would be the largest ever to be offered by the Group.

The opening of new shopping malls will provide the tourists with more options, which means more proceeds and spending in comparison with previous editions, he added, noting that around 25 shopping malls will participate in the promotion to be launched by the Group.

Burjuman will have a large number of activities and discounts, he added, referring to the opening of Rotana Suites which, he said, would certainly woo big turnout, especially among families.

'Majid Al Futtaim Group is one of the DSS's main sponsors for the 10th year running. We are cooperating with the DSS Office and preparing for a large number of activities and shows that will, prove a resound success,' said Fouad Sharaf, the director general of Mall of the Emirates.

He added that Mall of the Emirates and Deira City Centre are participating in the promotions, which will feature considerable discounts, raffles and weekly cash money prizes.

Sharaf noted that Mall of the Emirates secured a 70% rise in sales early this year compared to the same period last year, as it has become the favourite shopping destination for a large number of UAE residents thanks to the quality services and products found inside, beside the marvelous shopping experience and environment enjoyed by its customers.

He expects the Mall to attract to the tune of 6 million visitors and the sales to surge to AED 1b during the DSS.

Sharaf says that the mall will offer several family-oriented activities and entertainment and travel events in keeping with the new strategy of the DSS this year.

'The shows will combine between shopping activities and unique entertainment events, including the Summer Camp at the Dubai Social Theater and the Centre of Arts, a show for fairy tales on ice at Galleri,' he said.

He added that special designs and decorations have been prepared for the DSS this year. 'In some areas, special decorations have been tailored to fit in with the Weekly Theme.'

He noted that the visitors of this year's edition will come from the GCC states, other Arab countries and Europe besides other nationalities, including Russians and Chinese.

Farid Abdul Rahman, the deputy head of Deira City Centre, said: 'City Centre is one of the main shopping malls in Dubai and enjoys big turnout all year round. Our participation in the DSS will provide our customers with more fun and entertainment.'
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He expects a larger increase in sales this year comparatively with last year, noting that new stores and outlets have been added to the Centre recently, including 'H & M", 'Next' and 'DG'.

'Deira City Centre has fully prepared for the great event by introducing various and diverse activities, including 'Magic Garden', 'Super Woman' and a number of lovely animated and cartoon characters inspired from nature and world famous magic stories and episodes. There will also be an exclusive and distinguished photography exhibition. Tailor-made shows as requested by the DSS Office have been prepared besides Modhesh who will be present and around during the whole event as well as the logos of this edition that celebrates the DSS's 10th anniversary.

Abdul Rahman expects City Centre to attract a large number of visitors from the GCC and other Asian countries who would represent 70% of the total turnout, with all its outlets to offer special discounts and attractive shows for all visitors.

'Hamar Ain, as is the case every summer, will offer exciting surprises and activities for its loyal visitors. Preparations for the leading event have started two months ago. A big stage will be ready at the Centre's main hall to host the different artistic and entertainment shows presented during the DSS. The stage has been fitted with eye-catching decorations and backgrounds spotlighting the DSS's logo and mascot, Modhesh. Furthermore, the whole centre has been embellished and decorated from outside in a way becoming of this mega event,' said Morhaf Riyadh Kishi, the Hamar Ain director-general.

'The DSS puts the pep back into summer, effectively contributing to turning the lean summer activity of the past to a robust shopping season where sales double at all malls and shopping malls. Visitors from different Gulf States now head for Dubai to spend the summer months and enjoy fascinating times during this extravaganza which includes mouth-watering discounts and entertainment shows,' he added.

Kishi expects an increase of 15-20% in the Centre's sales compared to last year in light of the large budget allocated to this edition of the event that allows for more activities and shows. 'The Centre, as has been the case over the past editions, will host Sama Dubai T.V station which is scheduled to present a daily live programme at 8.00-9.00 p.m. featuring daily prizes worth over AED 20.000. Besides, the Centre's outlets and shops will offer valuable prizes as part of the distinguished promotion to be launched by the Centre during the DSS for shoppers buying goods worth AED 200 upwards, in addition to instant prizes and gifts for children. Workshops for children will be held, including cool clowns, face painting, the Henna Tent and several other activities.

'Special decorations have been tailored for each of the event's 10 surprises, spotlighting the much-beloved character Modhesh,' he added. The official highlights the Arabian style for which the Centre is renowned, specially that the main bulk of its visitors come from the UAE and other Arab states in the region, particularly Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Oman who account for 80% of the visitors. 'Included within the same huge building of the Centre is the plush Mariott hotel which entices a large number of Gulf visitors during the summer. There is also a number of nearby furnished apartments and hotels that have ensured big turnout that has gone beyond al expectations during the summer months.'

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Friday, June 08, 2007
Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has begun selling Salik toll system tags in 287 outlets in Dubai: 180 Emarat petrol stations, 70 EPPCO/ENOC stations, and 37 branches of Dubai Islamic Bank.

Motorists who will use
Sheikh Zayed Road where the toll gates are located, at Garhoud Bridge and near the Mall of the Emirates, must apply for and buy the Salik welcome kit containing the Salik windshield tag from these outlets.

The welcome kit has instructions on how to install the tag on the windshield of the car and how the system works. When the system is officially activated on July 1st, it will deduct 4dhs from the sensor cards every time one drives through the city's electronic gates, explained Engineer Bin Adai. The RTA is educating the public on the toll system through its public campaign and has made available a dedicated toll free call center (800-72545) and website: www.salik.ae.

Earlier Engineer Maitha Bin Adai, CEO of the RTA's Roads and Transport Authority stated that the Roads and Transport Authority, RTA, is finalizing the installation process of the toll gates at Garhoud Bridge and Sheikh Zayed Road near Mall of the Emirates.
The toll gate at Garhoud Bridge, Sharjah direction, was installed and is scheduled to be activated July 1.

RTA is currently installing the second toll gate at Garhoud Bridge, Dubai direction, to be followed by the installation of the toll gates near the Mall of the Emirates. Eng. Maitha emphasized that RTA is seeking to finalize installation of the toll gates by this month and these will be tested in order to ensure successful implementation. Eng. Maitha also confirmed that tag sales will begin this week.

The system will be able to deduct the necessary value from the sensor cards every time a driver uses one of the city's electronic gates, Engineer Bin Adai, explained. The Salik system seeks to promote the use of alternative roads and transportation and reduce traffic flow to the emirate by encouraging car pooling and public transit.

Salik is part of the RTA's traffic management strategy to reduce pressure on Dubai's road infrastructure, particularly in the city's downtown and other heavily trafficked areas, and reduce noise and air pollution.

So is Salik welcome in Dubai? What do you think about it? Leave us your comments...

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Barely days after treating Dubai to a sell out Aerosmith gig, organisers Mirage Promotions announced that pop diva Pinkpink-dubaiinformer is due to perform live in Dubai on September 5 at Dubai Media City.

The American singer with two Grammy awards to her name first appeared on the music scene in 2000 with her debut album Can’t Take Me Home, but shot to fame with her worldwide hit single Get The Party Started from her second album M!ssundaztood in 2001.




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