SNF Development Center

Special kids perform play

By Jamil Khan @ Gulf Today-Sharjah, Feb 07, 2010

The children with special needs at the SNF Centre enjoyed a day-long annual event “The Magic Bus”, which was held at the India Club, Dubai on Saturday.
The event was attended by a huge number of guests, including parents.
All the students from the centre were given an opportunity to participate in the play called The Magic Bus.

Many roles
The children played various roles as part of the play to describe the story.
The guest of honour was Dr Shareefa Abdool, Consultant Neurologist, Head of the Neurology Department Rashid Hospital, Dubai. She is Head of Scientific Committee, Emirates Medical Association and Board Member and President of the Neurology Society, Emirates Medical Association.
Four students enthralled the audience with their Robot Dance. The dance was performed by Sadiq, Muneeb, Brandon and Taha. The dance was choreographed by the students from the Kiara Group as some of them participated in the dance to encourage the children with special needs.

Annual concerts
Safia Bari, director of the SNF Children Development Centre told The Gulf Today that The Magic Bus event is one of the annual concerts being held for a long time in which all the children from the centre take part. “It is a unique programme in which children are given an opportunity to perform play on the stage to build confidence by performing in front of the public,” she said.
She said that the event guides parents to encourge their children to take part in different activities and perform with confidence.
The story of The Magic Bus revolves around four main characters: Ayesha, the mother and her two children, Brahadeesh and Amena and Karan the bus driver.
The story begins with the mother trying to wake up her two children early in the morning, so they will not be late for school. The children resist waking up because they don’t want to go to the school. The mother decides to tell them a story about The Magic Bus. While listening to the story, Amena and Brahadeesh experience the exciting trip in their dreams.

Four children
The story says, “Once upon a time, there was a driver of an old bus who regularly drove around the village to collect the children for school. Most of the children in the village were lazy and did not want to get up every morning, and they did not like going to school, except four children. One day, the four children had no idea that they would be taken on a very special journey.”
“On this particular day, they were taken  to a winter wonderland. The children were so excited and played in the snow, decorated a giant Christmas tree and watched the robot dancers.”
After hearing the story, Amena and Brahadeesh learnt that going to school could be a fun.
The play was appreciated enormously by the parents and the volunteers.
End

Fruit Logistica 2010-Berlin

Fruit Logistica in full swing

By Jamil Khan @ Gulf Today-Sharjah, Feb 05, 2010

BERLIN: Thousands of leading traders dealing in fresh fruits and vegetables and associated industries have been taking part in the 3-day Fruit Logistica 2010 being held in the capital of Germany.
The event which has become one of premier event of the year is being witnessing a huge number of visitors from various countries around the world. This year total number of exhibitors are 2300 belonging from 71 countreis offering an unparallelled overview of global fruit and vegetable production and trade.
The leading international trade fair, Fruit Logistica, was opened by Julia Klšckner, Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection. She joined Dr Christian Gške, Messe Berlin Chief Operating Officer, and Fruit Logistica Global Brand Manager. Together with Dr. Gške and the Ana Graciela Aguilar Antu–ano, Chief Executive Director of the Mexican Association ASERCA, Klšckner cut the white ribbon to officially open the pavilion for Mexico, this year’s partner country.
On the occasion, she said that “In 1999, Mexico exported $400 million in agricultural products to Europe. In 2008, goods worth $800 million were exported and Fruit Logistica is one of the world’s most important trade fairs for Mexico.”
Klockner said that, “Fruit and vegetables are the foundation of a healthy lifestyle. At Fruit Logistica, the whole world comes together with high-quality products. Thanks to international cooperation, agriculture, production and consumers are accessible all at once”.
The exhibition is being organizing by Messe Berlin and also hosting Freshconex 2010, the international trade fair for fresh produce convenience.
The exhibitors comprises global players as well as small and medium-sized companies involved in the production of fresh fruits and vegetables while a huge number of companies dealing in the packaging and provoding logistic services also taking part in the event.
The largest participations based on exhibitors numbers are made up of the following key European fresh produce trading nations, like Italy (413), Spain (311), Germany (244), France (239) and the Netherlands (217).
Mexico is the official partner country which is also celebrating its bicentennial year as an independent country in 2010 and participating as a biggest-ever appearance to have a huge number of growers, organizations and trade associations.

FRESH PRODUCE MARKET FIGURES
According to information from the AMI (agricultural market information service) in Bonn, 800 million tonnes of vegetables and nearly 700 million tonnes of fruit were produced worldwide in 2009.
Fruit and vegetable production levels have increased steadily over the past few years. Apples, grapes, oranges, melons and bananas are the world’s leading fruit vareities, accounting for around 60 per cent of global production. The range of vegetables is more diverse with the three leading varieties (tomatoes, head cabbage, cucumbers) accounting for only 30 per cent of the total production volume.

PARTNER COUNTRY MEXICO WELCOMES THE SECTOR
Ana Graciela Aguilar Antu–ano, Chief Executive Director of Aserca (Apoyos y Servicios a la Comercializaci—n Agropecuaria) and representative of the official partner country Mexico, announced her country’s biggest-ever exhibit at Fruit Logistica along with the largest variety of Mexican fruit and vegetables ever presented in Europe. Antu–ano confirmed Mexico’s ranking among the top 15 agricultural exporters in the world by the World Trade Organisation. “Avocados, lemons, beer, tequila and honey stand for Mexican quality all over the world”, she said.

MINISTER ZAIA RECOGNISES IMPORTANCE OF FRUIT LOGISTICA
Speaking at the trade fair, Luca Zaia, Italy’s Minister of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, said, “As the sector’s most important trade event, Fruit Logistica provides excellent opportunities to Italian agricultural producers”.
Once again, Italy is the leading country at the trade fair with 413 exhibitors and 15 per cent more display stand area this year. Minister Zaia said he was impressed by the presentation of the regions and companies. He explained that quality and certification are key factors when it comes to products and that Germany remains the most important market for Italy’s agricultural sector.
End

Fruit Logistica in full swing

By Jamil Khan @ Gulf Today-Sharjah, Feb 05, 2010

BERLIN: Thousands of leading traders dealing in fresh fruits and vegetables and associated industries have been taking part in the 3-day Fruit Logistica 2010 being held in the capital of Germany.

The event which has become one of premier event of the year is being witnessing a huge number of visitors from various countries around the world. This year total number of exhibitors are 2300 belonging from 71 countreis offering an unparallelled overview of global fruit and vegetable production and trade.

The leading international trade fair, Fruit Logistica, was opened by Julia Klšckner, Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection. She joined Dr Christian Gške, Messe Berlin Chief Operating Officer, and Fruit Logistica Global Brand Manager. Together with Dr. Gške and the Ana Graciela Aguilar Antu–ano, Chief Executive Director of the Mexican Association ASERCA, Klšckner cut the white ribbon to officially open the pavilion for Mexico, this year’s partner country.

On the occasion, she said that “In 1999, Mexico exported $400 million in agricultural products to Europe. In 2008, goods worth $800 million were exported and Fruit Logistica is one of the world’s most important trade fairs for Mexico.”

Klockner said that, “Fruit and vegetables are the foundation of a healthy lifestyle. At Fruit Logistica, the whole world comes together with high-quality products. Thanks to international cooperation, agriculture, production and consumers are accessible all at once”.

The exhibition is being organizing by Messe Berlin and also hosting Freshconex 2010, the international trade fair for fresh produce convenience.

The exhibitors comprises global players as well as small and medium-sized companies involved in the production of fresh fruits and vegetables while a huge number of companies dealing in the packaging and provoding logistic services also taking part in the event.

The largest participations based on exhibitors numbers are made up of the following key European fresh produce trading nations, like Italy (413), Spain (311), Germany (244), France (239) and the Netherlands (217).

Mexico is the official partner country which is also celebrating its bicentennial year as an independent country in 2010 and participating as a biggest-ever appearance to have a huge number of growers, organizations and trade associations.

Fresh produce market figures

According to information from the AMI (agricultural market information service) in Bonn, 800 million tonnes of vegetables and nearly 700 million tonnes of fruit were produced worldwide in 2009.

Fruit and vegetable production levels have increased steadily over the past few years. Apples, grapes, oranges, melons and bananas are the world’s leading fruit vareities, accounting for around 60 per cent of global production. The range of vegetables is more diverse with the three leading varieties (tomatoes, head cabbage, cucumbers) accounting for only 30 per cent of the total production volume.

Partner country Mexico welcomes the sector

Ana Graciela Aguilar Antu–ano, Chief Executive Director of Aserca (Apoyos y Servicios a la Comercializaci—n Agropecuaria) and representative of the official partner country Mexico, announced her country’s biggest-ever exhibit at Fruit Logistica along with the largest variety of Mexican fruit and vegetables ever presented in Europe. Antu–ano confirmed Mexico’s ranking among the top 15 agricultural exporters in the world by the World Trade Organisation. “Avocados, lemons, beer, tequila and honey stand for Mexican quality all over the world”, she said.

Minister Zaia recognises importance of Fruit Logistica

Speaking at the trade fair, Luca Zaia, Italy’s Minister of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, said, “As the sector’s most important trade event, Fruit Logistica provides excellent opportunities to Italian agricultural producers”.

Once again, Italy is the leading country at the trade fair with 413 exhibitors and 15 per cent more display stand area this year. Minister Zaia said he was impressed by the presentation of the regions and companies. He explained that quality and certification are key factors when it comes to products and that Germany remains the most important market for Italy’s agricultural sector.

End

DSF 2010 Carpet Oasis

Exotic cultural mosaic

By Jamil Khan @ Gulf Today-Sharjah, Feb 02, 2010

One of the most popular attractions during every Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF), Carpet Oasis is back this DSF to showcase some of the world’s rarest and most valuable collections of carpets and rugs.
The exhibition of a huge number of exclusively woven carpets for the DSF has been held at the West Hall of the Dubai Airport Expo to give visitors an insight view on the range of premium carpets of the world. The Carpet Oasis is being organised by the Dubai Customs Authority, which is also taking various steps to highlight the historical and cultural value of carpets.
This year’s exhibition will guarantee a culturally enriching experience for visitors, who will have an inside look at how carpets are made and how they have become a part of Arab culture and homes for thousands of years. Of particular interest will be the display of an antique Mongolian carpet recently uncovered and believed to be at least 2,000 years old.
Talking to The Gulf Today, Abdulrahman Essa, member of the organising committee on Monday said that this year the number of participation are 30 per cent higher than the last year and it is hoped that the sale of carpets will also increase during the month-long show.
“This year we have selected the best of the wonderful work from the factories around the world to showcase antique and handmade carpets which are not only unique in terms of designs but also the quality is superior,” he said.
The carpet traders from different parts of the world like Kashan, Tabriz, Isphan, Qum, Karachi and other places famous for carpets are taking part in the month-long show which is also a part of Dubai Shopping Festival, very popular across the world.
Essa said that the traders who are taking part in the Carpet Oasis are widely known for their own specialty of carpets and for making handmade carpets for a long time. “The show has become a unique place not in the UAE but also in the world and finds a huge number of most exotic and rare carpets estimated to be over Dhs2 billion worth under one roof of the festival,” he added.
The show is also showcasing an exclusively manufactured carpet with gold and pure silk weighing around 50 kilogramme by craftsmen belonging to Tabriz, Iran. The carpet is especially made for the DSF and it is for the first time that a carpet has been made with gold and its price is approximately around Dhs0.5 million.
Essa mentioned that different activities have been planned under the Carpet Oasis, including photographic exhibition to showcase the 15-year history of Carpet Oasis besides arts exhibition and traditional exhibition.
“However, visitors of the exhibition are mostly general people as well as experts from around the world to have a unique opportunity of buying rare carpets collected from different corners of the world. There are many who want to know the basic information regarding the handmade carpets. In this regard, we are also educating people how to examine a carpet and distinguish the patterns. Different countries mostly have different patterns and designs that make them particular. People also learn here how to take care of their expensive carpets,” he said.
When asked about the business this season, he said, “Last year’s Carpet Oasis generated sales in excess of Dhs52 million, and traders can expect brisk business with an even bigger collection this year”.
He added that in the last three days, a wide range of carpets worth Dhs1 million have been sold. The response from public is resounding and wonderful.
The exhibition is open to the public from 10am to 10pm from Saturday to Thursday and from 4pm to 11:30pm on Fridays.
End

Dubai Shopping Festival 2010

Visitors flock to DSF shops

By Jamil Khan @ Gulf Today-Sharjah, Jan 31, 2010

FESTIVITIES during the ongoing Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) have been gaining huge attention from visitors of all ages, especially at the newly established shopping arenas in Al Seef Street, Bur Dubai.
During the current festival, a huge number of events are being held in different parts of Dubai and getting massive response from people of different nationality.
The entire open space alongside the creek has been established by Dubai Culture Authority, featuring a huge number of fun activities for all age groups. These especially include an amusement area for children as well as a number of markets to give visitors a chance to shop on discounted rates as part of the festival.
Apart from the entertainment activities like cinema under the stars, sunset theatre, restaurants around the cinema and many more, retailers from different parts of the world have also set up their stalls in newly established markets next to the creek. The markets include perfume souk, fuwala souk, antiques souk, electronic souk, textile souk, art and craft oasis and community souk.
The newly constructed markets are built with high wooden roofs and huge windows, giving a unique traditional look.
Talking to The Gulf Today, retailers selling a variety of goods in different markets said they appreciated the step of setting up the new concept of shopping and providing a unique shopping experience to visitors.
Sami, the owner of Ramal Leather, was among those who had already established their stalls in the market and were enjoying the huge turnout on the first two days. He praised the new concept of shopping at the creek.
He said that it is the first time a new market has been established, because during previous DSFs, visitors only came for leisure and had limited shopping opportunities.
“This year, the newly concrete markets with exclusive range of products in each section will boost the business, especially for the retailers,” he said.
Sami said that they have also a stall in Global Village but the products including leather jackets for men and women are being sold in this market with a substantial difference.
Komal, another retailer at the Perfume Market, mentioned that it is a good idea to directly take part in DSF, while enjoying the interaction with people belonging to different parts of the world.
Rajan, who was among those who were still finalising their goods in the newly established textile market, said that even though they had started business from day one, they were unable to arrange their goods earlier due to the huge turnout of people. He also mentioned that the prices of ready-made garments, especially the range of winter clothes, are being sold on discounted rates. He added that the response from visitors showed that they appreciate the quality products and the prices.
Apart from retail shops, artists from different countries in Middle East and other parts of the world had also set up their stalls to showcase their paintings and other artwork. Muhammad Jawish, an artist from Syria who has taken part in a Dubai festival for the first time, said that during the last two days, the response from public was enormous.
Jawish displayed a huge range of oil paintings and different artworks, like wall hangings, and sold them between Dhs200 to Dhs600 each.
Meanwhile, Khaleelullah Chemnad, a prominent anatomic calligrapher, has also finalised arrangements to set up his stall and said that it is his fourth participation in the DSF in the last 15 years.
Chemnad, who created his own technique of anatomic calligraphy, has been praised by various renowned artists as well as UAE government officials on various occasions. He has organised various exhibitions to showcase his work including calligraphic portraits of renowned personalities- from world leaders to a common visitor.
He said that in order to praise his work and technique, three universities from Holland, Qatar and Ireland had started special courses for post-graduate students in Arab Literature and Culture. “I was very amused when students from these universities had approached me through email and it was a unique reward for me,” he said.
Chemnad noted that he had dedicated his whole time to do calligraphy, which includes Quranic verses, Arabic poems and portraits.
The artist has also planned to sell limited edition of his famous calligraphic work as copy for around Dhs200 to Dhs300 during the month-long festival.
One of the officials at DSF told The Gulf Today that all of the shops in different markets will be fully operational within the next three to four days.
End

Visitors flock to DSF shops

By Jamil Khan @ Gulf Today-Sharjah, Jan 31, 2010

FESTIVITIES during the ongoing Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) have been gaining huge attention from visitors of all ages, especially at the newly established shopping arenas in Al Seef Street, Bur Dubai.

During the current festival, a huge number of events are being held in different parts of Dubai and getting massive response from people of different nationality.

The entire open space alongside the creek has been established by Dubai Culture Authority, featuring a huge number of fun activities for all age groups. These especially include an amusement area for children as well as a number of markets to give visitors a chance to shop on discounted rates as part of the festival.

Apart from the entertainment activities like cinema under the stars, sunset theatre, restaurants around the cinema and many more, retailers from different parts of the world have also set up their stalls in newly established markets next to the creek. The markets include perfume souk, fuwala souk, antiques souk, electronic souk, textile souk, art and craft oasis and community souk.

The newly constructed markets are built with high wooden roofs and huge windows, giving a unique traditional look.

Talking to The Gulf Today, retailers selling a variety of goods in different markets said they appreciated the step of setting up the new concept of shopping and providing a unique shopping experience to visitors.

Sami, the owner of Ramal Leather, was among those who had already established their stalls in the market and were enjoying the huge turnout on the first two days. He praised the new concept of shopping at the creek.

He said that it is the first time a new market has been established, because during previous DSFs, visitors only came for leisure and had limited shopping opportunities.

“This year, the newly concrete markets with exclusive range of products in each section will boost the business, especially for the retailers,” he said.

Sami said that they have also a stall in Global Village but the products including leather jackets for men and women are being sold in this market with a substantial difference.

Komal, another retailer at the Perfume Market, mentioned that it is a good idea to directly take part in DSF, while enjoying the interaction with people belonging to different parts of the world.

Rajan, who was among those who were still finalising their goods in the newly established textile market, said that even though they had started business from day one, they were unable to arrange their goods earlier due to the huge turnout of people. He also mentioned that the prices of ready-made garments, especially the range of winter clothes, are being sold on discounted rates. He added that the response from visitors showed that they appreciate the quality products and the prices.

Apart from retail shops, artists from different countries in Middle East and other parts of the world had also set up their stalls to showcase their paintings and other artwork. Muhammad Jawish, an artist from Syria who has taken part in a Dubai festival for the first time, said that during the last two days, the response from public was enormous.

Jawish displayed a huge range of oil paintings and different artworks, like wall hangings, and sold them between Dhs200 to Dhs600 each.

Meanwhile, Khaleelullah Chemnad, a prominent anatomic calligrapher, has also finalised arrangements to set up his stall and said that it is his fourth participation in the DSF in the last 15 years.

Chemnad, who created his own technique of anatomic calligraphy, has been praised by various renowned artists as well as UAE government officials on various occasions. He has organised various exhibitions to showcase his work including calligraphic portraits of renowned personalities- from world leaders to a common visitor.

He said that in order to praise his work and technique, three universities from Holland, Qatar and Ireland had started special courses for post-graduate students in Arab Literature and Culture. “I was very amused when students from these universities had approached me through email and it was a unique reward for me,” he said.

Chemnad noted that he had dedicated his whole time to do calligraphy, which includes Quranic verses, Arabic poems and portraits.

The artist has also planned to sell limited edition of his famous calligraphic work as copy for around Dhs200 to Dhs300 during the month-long festival.

One of the officials at DSF told The Gulf Today that all of the shops in different markets will be fully operational within the next three to four days.

End

Dubai Shopping Festival 2010

DSF first day witnesses huge turnout

By Jamil Khan @ Gulf Today-Sharjah, Jan 29, 2010

If you have a plan to travel in near future for leisure or visiting family members and you want to purchase for your needs, all your wants will be fulfilled as a huge range of discounts and a number of promotions have been kicked off to attract visitors at the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF).
On the first day of the festival, consumers belonging to different nationalities at various retail outlets termed this a fresh breeze in the current situation to fulfil the needs of people ranging from running a household to a foreign visit.
Talking to The Gulf Today at the Deira City Centre, customers at different outlets, especially at the electronic goods, said that the reduction in the prices has compelled them to visit the outlets.
Michael K, an expatriate from Philippines told this scribe that he had arrived at the Carrefour around noon after seeing an attractive advertisement in the newspaper to buy the Blackberry phone on the discount price, but all went in the vain.
“As soon as I reached to grab the grab the phone being offering on an extraordinary discount margin, I approached the salesmen but they told me that the stock has been finished,” he said.
Various electronic dealers and retail traders introduced sales promotions to attract maximum number of customers on the first day of the festival and at many outlets it seemed they were successful in their goal.
Rozina, another expatriate from Iran, along with her family selected the travel luggage and said that the current price range is suitable to buy different items. She said that they will visit Iran in the summer and the purchase of travel luggage accessories in the festival is a good idea to save some money.
Various customers at the mobile phone and entertainment gadgets’ shops seemed satisfied with the discounts, but many complained that the prices should be  reduced further.
“The retailers have been offering around 15-20 per cent discount on different old model phones and the newly launched phones are being sold with small gift items. To make this event a great success, the retailers should have announced at least 40 to 50 per cent discount on the old model phones,” said Tariq-ul-Islam, an expatriate from Bangladesh.
However, many leading shopping malls, including Times Square Centre (TSC), Jacky’s are among others who have announced various sales promotions on a huge range of their products as part of the 15th edition of the Dubai Shopping Festival.
The TSC has announced attractive promotions at the centre, including raffle draws to win a Chevrolet Cruze, Toshiba LCD TVs, Sony Home Theatres, Dell Inspiron netbook computers and gift vouchers, among others. In addition, popular TSC tenants such as Toys R Us, Sharaf DG, YellowHat and Chillout are offering major discounts and promotions to customers throughout the DSF.
The electronic dealer Jacky’s partnered with Samsung to give the DSF shoppers a chance to take home 120 Samsung 40 LED TVs, including more than Dhs2 million worth of bundle product offers. Redefining the modern TV viewing, the customers purchasing products worth Dhs250 in all Jacky’s outlets in Dubai during the entire DSF period are qualified to join the raffle.
End

VTS At Knowledge Village, Dubai

Psycho assessment centre takes off

By Jamil Khan @ Gulf Today-Sharjah, Jan 27, 2010

The professional and clinical interview, observation and psychometric combined together as a psychological assessment could produce approximately 97 per cent reliable results.
The use of assessments has become essential for the employers who want to select the right people for jobs, provide employees effective training and help managers to be more effective. These are also used to promote employees in the positions where they will succeed.
This was stated by Dr Raymond H Hamden, Director, Human Relations Institute, Dubai on the occasion of inauguration of the innovative assessment centre (Vienna Test System-VTS) in partnership with Schuhfried and Allied Products at Knowledge Village Dubai on Monday.
He said that the use of assessments produce results and increase the productivity at the same. They also reduce employee relations problems such as stress, tension, conflict, employee turnover and overall human resources expenses.
Schuhfried was founded in 1947. The high quality approach of this company made them the international market leader in the field of computerised psychological assessments. Their main task is to provide psychological diagnostics with ever-new technical means for achieving the aims.
The state-of-the-art technology makes psychological assessment simple and practical. The VTS enables us to measure the individuals’ performance and personality characteristics in an economic and up-to-date manner.
Dr Hamden said that there is a wide range of tests for all the areas of psychological diagnosis and assessment in the clinical psychology, sport psychology, aviation psychology, personnel psychology, neuropsychology and traffic psychology.
The Vienna Test System (VTS) is known worldwide as a leading computerised psychological assessment tool and will be used at the HRI Assessment Centre. It is simple and intuitive to use and computer knowledge is not required when using the system.
The Human Relations Institute in Dubai is affiliated with the Foundation for International Human Relations in Washington, DC, an international organisation working for people and the common good.
Officials at the inaugural ceremony said that the concept of pre-employment assessments is widely common in many countries around the world.
“Knowledge, skills and abilities are the key factors in determining the best person for the best placement through the assessments,” they said.
Many softwares have been designed under the VTS to ascertain different abilities of a candidate.
End

Spring Promotion 2010

Events blossom in spring

By Jamil Khan @ Gulf Today-Sharjah, Jan 26, 2010

ONE of the mega shopping events in Sharjah, Spring Promotion 2010, has recently started. Almost all major retail outlets in the city are taking part with a number of sale promotions to provide the consumers with a good shopping experience.
In this regard, Sahara Centre has launched new and exciting events and promotions to constantly entice customers. The annual promotion is all set to run concurrently with the Dubai Shopping Festival 2010 between Jan. 28 and Feb. 28.
Through these promotions, exciting prizes await customers that include the ‘Grand Raffle’ draw of 2 Nissan Maxima 2010, a unique in-mall promotion ‘Buy one, win Thousands’ and a scintillating event, the ‘Sahara Fun Circus’ for the entire family.
“All our promotions round the year are aimed at offering incredible bargains and exciting deals to our customers whilst creating an exciting month for all our retailers as well,” said Jean Pierre Nammour, managing director of Sahara Centre. “All our retailers look forward to these seasons in which they get a chance to serve not only their local but also the international customers with exciting deals.”
He added, “Our promotions never fail to excite our customers and this year’s Spring Promotion not only offers incredible shopping bargains, but also mega winning opportunities.”
Customers spending a minimum of Dhs200 at any outlet in Sahara Centre are entitled to enter the draw to win the grand raffle draw of two Nissan Maxima 2010. The draw will be held on Feb.13 and 28.
Shoppers will also be treated with a great shopping experience and fabulous surprises for instant rewards as they shop in the mall during the ‘Buy One, Win Thousands’ promotion. The customers shopping inside the mall during weekdays have the chance to win thousands of dirhams. The mall’s marketing team will randomly spot customers making purchases inside stores at Sahara Centre, and ask them general questions about the mall. Those who answer the questions correctly will get a chance to win Sahara cash vouchers ranging from Dhs 500 to Dhs 2000. The more you shop, the bigger your chances of winning.
Last but not the least, the ‘Sahara Fun Circus’ promises to offer yet another rollicking time for the entire family during the promotion period.
The Sahara Fun Circus will enthral and captivate the audience with heart-pounding stunts and tricks by professional artists. The performance will include a dazzling display of entertaining circus acts such as Cat shows, Foot juggling shows, Elastic Afro twister show, Russian bar show, Adagio (strong man) show and a Clown show. There will be seven acts of two shows daily, between 6 pm to 9 pm in the promotion area of the mall from Feb. 13 to 27.
“The Sahara Centre Spring Promotion is a dynamic retail event catering to the shopping and entertainment needs of all our customers. From great shopping and great rewards to great entertainment, Sahara Centre is offering a promotion best suited for the entire family,” said Rima Chammas, marketing manager of Sahara Centre. “Through such endeavours, our objective is to offer a variety of shopping and entertainment activities that cater to all age-groups,”
Besides the leading outlets located in major malls, there are also various other small shopkeepers dealing in the different types of household goods. They have announced discounts ranging from 25 per cent to 75 per cent on a wide range of fashion accessories that are in great demand. The Spring Promotion has always been beneficial for the customers who eagerly wait for this occasion to come.
Such outlets in the Sharjah City Centre located on Al Wahda Road as well as in other parts of the Sharjah are also displaying prominent banners on their outlets to show their presence in the promotion. The promotion has become one of the prominent segments for the consumers who get the latest products in affordable prices very easily.
End

Support For Haitians

Sharjah extends generous help for Haitians

By Jamil Khan @ Gulf Today-Sharjah, Jan 25, 2010

The recent activities at the Hamriyah Free Zone, Sharjah has become pivotal for the cause of Haitians, who are devastated by the 7.0 magnitude earthquake that shook the country some two weeks ago.
The quake left hundreds of people homeless while many are still living under very poor conditions throughout the capital city of Port-au-Prince.
Besides organising a number of activities to collect donations and create awareness among the masses about the victims, the KEF Holdings arranged a “KEF Run for Haiti” recently. More than 600 participants took part in the marathon race.
The second event in this regard was held on Sunday at Emirates Techno Casting (ETC) during which donations from different individuals as well as companies were handed over to the representative of Red Crescent, Abdulwahid Al Buraimi, Head of Relief and Projects Affairs.
Faizal Kottikollon, Chairman KEF Holdings on behalf of his company donated Dhs100,000, while Dhs151,094 was contributed by various individuals.
Dr Rashid Aleem, Director General of Hamriyah Free Zone (HFZ) was also present on the occasion. He appreciated the collective efforts for the Haitians, who are in the need of financial and medical assistance.
Besides the cash donations, workers from KEF Holdings as well as other companies operating in the HFZ donated a huge quantity of clothes, toys, shoes and other items of daily use, which were handed over to the Red Crescent.
In his short address, Dr Aleem shed light on the importance of donations and asked people to donate as much as they can.  ”Current the world population is around 6 billion and around four billion people have only $1 per day to spend. This shows a huge gap between the different segments of the society and there should be some balance,” he said.
He said that the Hamriya Free Zone is a huge family and have been taking measures to support people in needs living in different parts of the world.
Faizal Kottikollon, Chairman KEF Holdings appreciated the response of the public during the campaign and said that initiative to support others will continue in future.
“We are doing a small thing for the people of Haiti, who are suffering the consequences of a massive earthquake in which hundred of thousands of people died. Many of them are living without any shelter or food for many days. It is our responsibility to pay attention to the people who are in need  during this difficult time. We will continue our support for such humanitarian causes in the future,” he added.
Shabana Faizal, KEF Vice President, Human Resources and Director, KEF Holdings, said that the company was always involved in charitable causes.
“We like to take up the causes that will reach people directly,” she said.
“We have had quite satisfying results with our Haiti campaign. But we could have done better if we had longer time,” she added.
The KEF Holdings had organised a marathon for the Haiti earthquake victims on Friday in the Hamriyah Free Zone, Sharjah.
The marathon race was two-tier one for children (1.2 kilometre) and adults (3.2 kilometre) in which 679 people belonging to different nationalities took part.
The winners of the children’s race was Suhail Rahmat Malik and Tracy Liu was winner among the women’s race and Nasser was among the men’s race.
Later, the audience were shown a video regarding the recent relief activities being carried out by various non-government organisations to provide medical and other assistance to the people of Haiti. The members observed a two-minute silence in the memory of the Haitian who lost their lives in the quake.
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Marathon For Haitians In Sharjah

People run for Haiti victims

By Jamil Khan @ Gulf Today-Sharjah, Jan 23, 2010

Scores of people belonging to different nationalities and various age groups took part in the KEF Run for Haiti, a marathon to collect donations and seek help of individuals as well as the corporate sector to help the people affected from 7.0 magnitude quake that hit Haiti recently.
The walk was held at the Emirates Techno Casting Community Centre at Hamriyah Free Zone Sharjah and organised by the KEF Holdings in which hundreds of people including children, women and men participated on Friday.
The winners were given trophies and rewards by the organisers.
The participants donated clothes and food stuff for thousands of people affected in Haiti. The donation was handed over to the UAE Red Crescent.
The officials at the KEF Holdings told The Gulf Today that the walk was organised to provide a chance to the community to show their commitment for the welfare of the affected people in Haiti.
“The KEF Holding will hand over a cheque of Dhs100,000 as donation to the UAE Red Crescent on Sunday along with other relief goods being collected through the participation of community members,” the official maintained.
Faizal Kottikollon, President and CEO of KEF Holdings, Hamriyah Free Zone, while talking to participants said that no one can stop a disaster, but can help each other in such difficult times.
“Nobody wants to take initiative, but if one does, the response from the community towards the affected people in such disasters is good. It is all positive thought not money to lessen the burden of needy people,” he stated.
He appreciated the participants to run for a cause. He said that they arranged a programme on Sunday at the same venue to generate funds through different activities for the relief activities in Haiti. He maintained that various corporate sectors showed great interest and they will hand over their donations, while he asked the community members to donate generously for this good cause.
Abdelwahid Al Buraimi, Head of Relief and Projects Affairs of the UAE-Red Crescent appreciated the efforts of individuals and corporate sectors to participate in the activities being organised for the affected people of Haiti.
“It is our pain not their and we will get together help such people through our efforts,” he said.
Later, the winners of junior and senior categories of the KEF Run for Haiti contest were awarded trophies and rewards. The winners were Sohail, Noor and Rittu in junior category while Tracy, Radika and Ridwika won top three positions in women’s senior category and Nasir, Farhat and Pankhaj won in men’s senior category.
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Lozzi At WFES-Abu Dhabi

Swiss sculptor showcases solar art

By Jamil Khan @ Gulf Today-Sharjah, Jan 22, 2010

The 4-day venue of World Future Energy Summit 2010 has proven to be a unique place for visitors to witness a wide range of latest inventions in the field of renewable energy. The event, taking place in Abu Dhabi for the past three days, is also being used as a platform to introduce artistic work run by wind to mesmerize people.
The Swiss pavilion is one such place at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center. Visitors of the pavilion were not only astonished to see kinetic art objects; they were also inquisitive about the science behind such small and medium size objects that were made using different materials like iron, steel and p

Lozzi along with one of his creation.--Photos by Jamil Khan

lastic.
The man behind the unique kinetic artistic job is Yvan Pestalozzi. The Swiss sculptor, known as Lozzi, has made a wide range of objects in the last 50 years. He, however, only displayed nine small and medium size works during the exhibition to give visitors a chance to see his creations.
Talking to The Gulf Today at the event, Lozzi said that it is first time he has displayed his artistic work in the UAE, but has been to the Middle East several times in the last few decades.
Born in Glarus, Switzerland, in 1937, Lozzi has been working as a freelance sculptor since 1964. He has made hundreds of small, medium and large size sculptures in different countries in the last 50 years.
He said that, “there was no schooling or vocational training that could have given me the skills I needed for my future occupation. There are still none today, [so I have] broadened my field of knowledge by myself.”
Lozzi made most of the objects with small iron wires. He also made many mobile iron sculptures- often weighing several tons- for outdoor use. These include wind sculptures, large-scale rollway tracks, insect stabiles, and small human and animal figures made of soft metal.
In addition, he created life-size figures with synthetic cement, along with many industrial products for interiors, as well as drawings and paintings.
“Each of us has a good side and a nasty side. I have made it my aim in life to neutralize this widespread nastiness in the world by using humour as a positive force and administering my own brand of light-hearted, ironical playfulness,” he noted.
“I want the light that emanates from my work to dispel the prevailing gloom, not only to make this world more bearable for myself, but also to give pleasure  to my appreciative fellow beings.”
Lozzi has been involved in many private and group exhibitions held in galleries and museums in Switzerland and abroad to win several first prizes in competitions. Moreover, he has developed a private museum in Zurich to showcase most of his work. People from different parts of the world have visited and admired his creations, which include the designs of industrial products, such as fun sculptures, multiples and products for interior designs.
The exhibition’s visitors showed keen interest in many objects, including Magic Beetle- a model consisting of 15 components, which unfold and re-fold purely run mechanically by solar power. Other objects include a mechanical bubble machine and the Struzi Mobile- a three-dimensional, mobile and moving object.
Elaborating on his future plan, Lozzi said that there are many ideas in his mind to make sculptures driven by solar and wind energy.
Luzzi mentioned that he has recently compiled a book to give an overview of more than 30 year’s of creative work. In his book, he has incorporated pictures reflecting humorous objects as well as many of this creative works with illustrations.
The pieces of kinetic art by Lozzi can be purchased within a range of Dhs15,000 and Dhs3 million, depending on the sizes and designs.
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