Relocate to Dubai-info on moving companies

If you have made the decision to move to Dubai I would not suggest trying to do everything yourself.The first step would be to get the best price for the most services rendered.You can contact at least 5 moving companies and request a price.Be sure to find out all the services offered for this price.As much as possible ask them to give you a price for each service.This makes it easier to choose which company is offering the best package.After you have received all the quotes you can then decide which company to use.The good thing is that as you go along you will be able to decide which of the services you can do yourself thereby reducing the cost of the relocation.
Another tip is to try and use a moving company based in the country you are moving to.They will have all the knowledge of the requirements of the destination country.

If you are considering re locating please consult with this local Dubai moving company or if you prefer an international moving company.You will be able to make the decision which is best for your personal requirements and needs.

Ramadan in Dubai September-October 2009

The busy trading metropolis that is Dubai still takes time out to observe the fasting month of Ramadan, an important religious observance in Muslim countries.

For one entire lunar month (30 days) all consumption for pleasure, whether of food, drink, sex or cigarettes, is prohibited between the hours of dawn and dusk. Faithful followers of Islam are obliged to adhere to these strictures, eating only during the hours of darkness: the breakfast at dusk can be quite a feast!
At the end of the month, when the new moon is sighted in the sky, the city sheds its sombre cape and celebrates madly for three days.Gifts are exchanged between friends and relatives, and there is dancing and merriment. Women decorate their hands with beautiful henna patterns. The festival brings together the entire community, often with the excuse of luscious banquets and late-night celebrations.
Visitors are advised to observe the restrictions obeyed by locals, as it is considered highly disrespectful and offensive to break them in public. Also, the end of Ramadan is dependent not on the astronomical beginning of the new month but on the sighting of the moon, so the dates may vary slightly from our estimates. Islamic holidays may be announced with less than 24 hours' notice.

Dubai Summer Surprises 23 June-21 August 2009

Second only to the frenzied bargain-hunting of the Dubai Shopping Festival in spring, Dubai Summer Surprises is an event which encourages visitors to shop, save and celebrate during ten weeks of entertainment.
During the festival, also known as DSS, Dubai's vast malls get together to offer major reductions across a wide range of goods. The pull is irresistible; over seven million shoppers flex their credit cards at this event.
Live shows, activities, competitions and courses keep the whole family happy while the shopaholics shop.
Another popular event is the Kids Olympic Games.
Hotels and hotel apartments offer a variety of discounted packages for those who want to make a holiday out of it.
.
Address Dubai
Opening Hours Various
Phone +971 600 545555
Internet Dubai Summer Surprises Website

Musandam Boat Trip

Hop across the border to the breathtaking Oman and cruise along the fjords of Musandam in a traditional Dhow. Friendly, hospitable people combined with fascinating sightseeing, scenery and great beaches make Oman a joy to visit.

Drive to Dibba, (town of Musandam). Dibba consists of seaside villages that are owned partly by the Sultanate of Oman (Dibba Bayah), Fujairah (Dibba Muhallab) & Sharjah (Hisn Dibba).Once arrived, you will notice the clean air, peaceful surroundings & friendly people.

Take a boat trip into the fjords & beaches with either a "Dhow" (traditional) or modern boat.Depart by traditional Omani Dhow for a full-day cruise to the spectacular “Fjords of Musandam”.

The journey starts from Dibba, Oman (no visas needed). You will be greeted with a warm welcome and board our traditional dhow, which is decked out with cushions and chairs for a comfortable ride to the dive sites. The journey will take us past some breathe taking scenery, while seeing a wide variety of bird life and a good chance of seeing dolphins.During the cruise, you will see:Small villages on the side of a rocky hillside.Beautiful, hidden beaches to which you can swim. Fjords teeming with colorful corals, fish and turtles; great for snorkeling. If you are lucky, you will have some WILD DOLPHINS bow riding alongside your dhow! There you can swim and snorkel in the pleasant clear waters.
Fishing on the Indian Ocean.
Lunch, refreshments and fruit are served on-board.** UAE exit & Oman visa fees included, as well as assistance at both border
Promoter Details
North Tours LLC
Telephone: 04 222 2808
Entry Charges: Adult - Dhs625, Child (4-10yrs) - Dhs375
Opening hours: 8am-5pm

Overnight Desert Safari

A fun-filled overnight desert experience. Go dune bashing in a four-wheel-drive, across sand dunes… shrieking with delight against the golden sunset. On reaching our Bedouin campsite, enjoy a thumping camel ride. Then relax on cozy carpets and cushions, savoring Arabian coffee and a fresh barbecue dinner of Continental and Oriental dishes. A live Oud player and bewitching belly dance complement an authentic Arabian extravaganza. Click pictures of the falcon on your shoulder…experience a henna tattoo and relish the lingering taste of Shisha.Feel the happy togetherness of family and friends, relaxing under the stars…doze off or dream on… before the morning sun heralds a hearty breakfast. Freshen up with a splash into the natural rock pools.

Promoter Details
Net Tours & Travels
Telephone: 04 266 6655
Entry Charges: Adult - Dhs425, Child (3 to 12 years) - Dhs320.
Price includes pick up and drop off from key landmarks within the city limits of Dubai and Sharjah.
Minimum booking: 4 pax
Opening hours: 4pm-1pm the following day (during summer) and 3pm to 12noon the following day (during winter).

East Coast Mountain Tour

If variety is the spice of life, drive on… drive past the Emirates of Sharjah and Um Al Quwain to the rugged mountains of Ras Al Khaimah. Off you go, through the meandering mountain paths, narrow wadis… admiring cliffs and valleys… capturing the picturesque beauty on your candid camera. Halt, take a break, go on a short trek… enjoy a picnic-style lunch. Next, drive past Masafi to the Friday market. On your way back to Dubai, pass by the Sharjah Desert Park.Original passport is required, as you cross the Oman border during the tour.

Promoter Details
Net Tours & Travels
Telephone: 04 266 6655
Entry Charges: Adult - Dhs320, Child (3 to 12 years) - Dhs220.
Price includes pick up and drop off from key landmarks within the city limits of Dubai and Sharjah.
Minimum booking: 4 pax
Opening hours: 8am-5pm

Abu Dhabi City Tour

Abu Dhabi is the home of the ruling family and the center of the booming oil business. Here you visit the yards of the grand Al Husn Palace and click pictures. Later on, shop for carpets from around the gobe, at affordable prices.
Enjoy a buffet lunch of Arabic favourites.At the Abu Dhabi Corniche, admire the placid waters kissing the horizon. Enjoy breathtaking views of the city skyline.
Move on and take a look at traditional ‘tali’ handwork at the local Craft Center.
Finally, visit the dhow yard, where traditional boats are built using a method that is centuries old.The duration of the tours is approximately 7 hours. Lunch is included in the package. Mineral Water will be provided in the cars.

Promoter Details
Net Tours & Travels
Telephone: 04 266 6655
Entry Charges: Adult - Dhs250, Child (3 to 12 years) - Dhs180.
Price includes pick up and drop off from key landmarks within the city limits of Dubai and Sharjah.
Minimum booking: 4 pax
Opening hours: 9am-4pm

Hatta Mountain Safari

On the road to Hatta, an oasis a little more than 100 kilometres from Dubai, you'll pass majestic dunes of red sand before encountering the start but photogenic landscape of Hajar mountains. You may also experience the famous Portuguese fort from the 16 th century.
We visit the heritage village featuring traditional houses depicting typical village life in the mountains.
The real adventure begins as we follow the trails of the Wadis, the dried riverbed in the Hajjar Mountains to reach fresh water pools.You can take a dip or dive into the blue waters of the pools and enjoy refreshments.
We also visit the famous 5 star Hatta fort hotel for lunch and return to Dubai via a break at the traditional street market where locally manufactured pottery and carpets are sold.

Promoter Details
Oasis Palm Tourism
Telephone: 04 262 8889
Entry Charges: Adult - Dhs300, Child(3 to 8 years) - Dhs240.
Price includes lunch and free pick up from anywhere in Dubai
Opening hours: 8am-2.30pm

Desert Safari

Your holiday is not complete if you miss the unique opportunity of experiencing the fascinating desert safari on the sand dunes.
Our 4WD (4 wheel drive) speed through the desert over the sand dunes. The thrill of going up and down the dunes provoke many a shriek and laughter full of excitement. Remember to keep your camera and films in your bags, as you may not get another opportunity to capture the sun setting among the sand dunes.
After enjoying the fascinating ride through the desert you will reach at the desert camp where you can relax under the starlit sky accompanied by traditional music and enjoy a cup of traditional Arabic Coffee/Soft drinks.
Camels are also available for those who want to experience a ride on the “Ship of the Desert”. Henna lady waits for the ladies to carve awesome design on their hands.
A delicious Barbecue Dinner will be served which includes both continental, Arabic dishes and vegetarian dishes.
Entertainment is guaranteed by the superb belly dancing show, it is truly a memorable evening in the desert packed with fun and excitement.

Oasis Palm Tourism
Telephone: 04 262 8889
Entry Charges: Adult - Dhs200, Child (3 to 8 years) - Dhs160.
Price includes free pick up from anywhere in Dubai
Opening hours: 3.30pm-9.30pm

Bob Geldof 13 March 2009

Bob Geldof has been a punk, a tireless campaigner for good causes and, in his personal life, the unfortunate centre of both salacious scandal and tragedy. Music, however, remains his first love, and he proves this at the Irish Village in Dubai.
Geldof was originally lead singer with punk/New Wave band The Boomtown Rats, whose most famous single remains I Don't Like Mondays, the story of an American schoolgirl who gunned down her classmates. However, he is best known for being the man who organised first the Band Aid single, Do They Know It's Christmas? in 1984 and the subsequent Live Aid and Live 8 concerts.
Venue:Irish Village
Price Dh100
Opening Hours 7pm-12am
Phone +971 4 210 8567
To buy tickets

Noor Dubai

Noor Dubai is an international charitable initiative for the prevention and treatment of blindness and low vision.
Noor Dubai was launched on 3 September 2008 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, at the Madinat Jumeirah Arena.
Noor Dubai is an ambitious initiative which aims to deliver preventive eye care to over 1 million people as part of its drive to realize its vision of a world free from curable forms of blindness.

This is yet another example of Dubai’s continued commitment to being a responsible global citizen and to helping the less fortunate.

Volunteer Program
Noor Dubai needs volunteers for future educational and awareness events. Noor Dubai also needs volunteers to facilitate the organization and implementation of their various initiatives.

Noor Dubai needs medical volunteers for its prevention, education, and treatment programs. Experts in the field of ophthalmology, ophthalmic nursing, optometry, anesthesiology, and other fields involved in the provision of eye care are needed. Medical volunteers may participate individually or as a team.

To apply to become a volunteer at Noor Dubai

Au Pair in Dubai

Opportunities exist to work as an au pair in Dubai, often for an expatriate European family.
An au pair is in charge of taking care of the children. You will get food and accommodation provided by the family free of charge, and a small allowance in addition (sort of pocket money). You will also be allowed time off. During time off, you are free to pursue your own interests, for example learning a foreign language.
Au pairs are not professional child minders and will not have professional childcare qualifications. As such, they should not be responsible for children under 2 years of age. There are no set conditions, although candidates are likely to be EU citizens between the age of 18 and 27 and are more commonly female than male.

What the au pair must know
She will have to take care of the children, i.e.:
speak the same language, at least well enough to understand and communicate with them
be sure they get up on time; dress the children/ensure the children dress themselves
take them to school/nursery/activity classes
play with them
be in charge of their meals
tidy up their rooms
be free to baby-sit them if needed, some evenings

What the family has to do
The family should be prepared to welcome the au pair into the family, remembering that she is not an employee but a home help for the children. Therefore they will make sure that:
the au pair has her own bedroom
that the au pair works a maximum of 25-35 hours per week She should have at least 2 days (2 x 24 hours) off during the week
they understand that having an au pair is not the same as employing a full time maid. She can be asked to do some housework, particularly in relation to the children, but should not be expected to do all of the washing up, cleaning and laundry for the family
medical insurance should be provided to cover the au pair in case of sickness or accident
the family pays an allowance (pocket money) each week
It may be wise to register the au pair with the family GP upon her arrival. Her possessions should also be added to the family's the house insurance policy.

Some addresses...
If you want to register as an au pair or as a family, you can contact:
IAPA (International Au Pair Association): http://www.iapa.org
IAPO (International Au Pair Organisation): http://www.au-pair.org

You can also consult:
AuPair Search - http://www.aupairsearch.com
GreatAuPair - http://www.greataupair.com
Au Pair Box - http://www.au-pair-box.com
S-Au Pair - http://www.saupair.com
Au Pair Connect - http://www.aupairconnect.com
New Au Pair - http://www.newsupair.com
Agencies will usually charge a registration fee to the family, the au pair, or to both parties.

International Schools in Dubai

There are private schools in Dubai catering to all of the key groups within the expatriate community. Demand for the best schools is high and enrolment should take place as soon as possible to guarantee attendance at the school of your choice. You may be asked to provide school reports from your child's last school and you will often be expected to attend an interview, with your child, at the school. Your child may also be asked to sit an entry examination.

The majority of private schools, including the international schools, teach in English. There is a wide selection of schools following both the British and the American curricula and it is also possible to sit the International Baccalaureate.

Al Mawakeb - US Curriculum, Primary / Secondary
American School of Dubai - US Curriculum, Primary / Secondary
The Cambridge International School - UK Curriculum, Primary / Secondary
Deira International School - UK Curriculum
Jumeirah English Speaking School (JESS) - UK Curriculum
Lycee Libanais Francophone Privee - French Lycee
Dubai College - UK Curriculum
English College Dubai - UK Curriculum

For those wishing to pursue further education in Dubai, there are a number of universities and business schools offering American or British university education.

Getting Around in Dubai

Bus/Coach

The Dubai Municipality (04 2859401) operates a public bus service, running from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Three types of bus pass are available, offering travel up to a fixed cost, monthly travel on one side of the creek, or monthly travel throughout the city. Both the routes and the bus numbers are displayed in Arabic and English. Passes, timetables and bus maps are available from the main bus stations at Bur Dubai on Al Ghubaiba Rd and in Deira near the Gold Souq. Bus maps and timetables can be viewed on line on the Dubai Municipality website, www.dubai.ae.
Intercity buses operate within Dubai and depart every hour for Hatta and twice a day for Muscat, Oman (5-6 hours). Inter-emirate travel is run by Dubai Transport minibuses, however you can only pick these up in Dubai. Telephone 04 2273840, for services to the Northern Emirates, or 04 3937014, for Abu Dhabi and Al Ain.

Boat
The fast and simple way to cross the creek is by using an abra, or water taxi. You can board at the intersection of Al Sabkha and Bani Yas Roads on the Deira side of the creek. Bur Dubai dock is located at the end of the souq.

Train
A project is underway to construct a fully automated metro system for Dubai (2 lines: green and red). It is expected to be partially operational in 2009 and fully operational by 2012. Trains will run every 90 seconds, over 70km of track. Several monorails are also planned to connect outlying areas to the main metro system.
Public Transport/Rail/Metro: http://www.rta.ae/

Airports
Dubai is served by Dubai International Airport (DXB), the hub of UAE's international airline, Emirates (www.emirates.com). A capacity of 70 million passengers is planned for 2007 and the airport will be among those able to accommodate the new Airbus A380 super-airliner. Flights are available to the other emirates, as well as to a large number of international destinations. Flight time from London to Dubai is approximately 7 hours; Los Angeles to Dubai approximately 20 hours. There is no departure tax at any UAE airport.
Many of the world's major airlines operate scheduled services to Dubai, including British Airways, Air France, Cathay Pacific, Cyprus Airways, Kenya Airways, Lufthansa, Northwest Airlines and United Airlines. The airport has excellent facilities, including restaurants, lounges, left luggage and internet access points
Dubai airport is located 5km / 3 miles south east of Dubai city. Prepaid taxis can be booked in the arrivals hall. Airport buses depart for the city centre every ten minutes between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m.
Further information is available on the Dubai International Airport website www.dubaiairport.com

Useful contacts - airlines:
Emirates Airlines (04 2144444) Airline Centre, Al Maktoum Rd., Deira
Gulf Air (04 2713111) Salah Al Din Rd., Rigga
British Airways (04 3075555) Airline Centre, Al Maktoum Rd., Deira
Air India (04 2276787) Al Maktoum Rd., Deira
Cathay Pacific (8004343) Pearl Building, 11th Floor, 18 St., Deira
KLM (04 3355777) Dubai airport.
Qatar Airways (04 922290) Doha Centre, Al Maktoum Rd., Deira.

Taxis
Taxis are plentiful and relatively inexpensive. You can flag a taxi down on the street, or book by telephone. The official, cream coloured taxis are metered and therefore usually cheaper, but the majority of other taxis in Dubai do not have meters and you must expect to haggle for a good price before beginning your trip.

Taxi contacts:
Dubai Transport 04 2080808
Cars Taxi 04 2693344
Golden Taxi 04 3365444
Gulf Radio Taxi 04 2236666
National Taxi 04 3366611

Cars
There is a high quality road network throughout the United Arab Emirates and petrol prices are low in comparison to European prices. Driving is on the right. However, there is a high incidence of road traffic accidents and congestion is a serious problem during the rush hour. If you wish to hire a car in Dubai, you will need to present a valid international driving license, your national driving license, two photographs and your passport at the car hire company, enabling them to issue you with a temporary UAE driving license. Most foreign drivers licenses will be accepted, provided you are a resident of the country that issued the license. If this is not the case, you will need to obtain an international driving license.

Car Hire Contacts:
Avis Dubai International Airport (04 2245219, fax 2244150) 24-hour service; main office (04 2957121) Clock Tower Roundabout, Al Maktoum Rd., Deira.
Europcar (04 3394433) Inter-Continental, Hilton, Hyatt Regency and Al Bustan Rotana hotels
Hertz (04 2824422) Al Maktoum Rd.
Patriot - http://www.patriotuae.com

You will be able to purchase a car in Dubai, provided that you have a residency visa. Many cars are resold after as little as six months of use, by owners keen to trade up to the very latest model. Second hand cars are therefore very good value for money and certainly worth considering, as the prices are often a good deal lower than the new price.

If you wish to drive your own car, you will need to apply for a UAE driving license. To obtain a driver's license in Dubai, you must have a residency visa issued in Dubai. The minimum age for obtaining a drivers license is 18 years. Nationals of the majority of European countries, the USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand will be able to obtain a UAE driving license in Dubai without taking a driving test if they are already a license-holder in their home country. To apply for a UAE driving license, you must complete a driver's license application form and present it with one passport size photograph, your original passport and one photocopy, your original driver's license and one photocopy, an eye test report, and a payment of AED 100. If your license was not issued in the GCC, you should also obtain a letter from your embassy or consulate confirming that the license is valid. If your license is issued in any language other than English or Arabic, a translation from your Embassy or Consulate is also required.

Driving under the influence of alcohol it not tolerated and the penalties are severe.
You may also like to consider a car-sharing arrangement. Due to the volume of traffic in Dubai, this is an increasing popular option. Many advertisements for car sharing partners are featured in the Gulf News each week.

Taste Of Dubai 11-14 March 2009

Taste of Dubai will take place in the beautiful parkland setting at Dubai Media Cityand will be held from Wednesday 11th-Saturday 14th March 2009. This is especialy for those of us who simply enjoy good food, beverages and great entertainment.

This year there are 50 per cent more of Dubai’s top restaurants and chefs, over 68 signature dishes to taste, a wider range of entertainment and features to enjoy and double the number of gourmet food producers tempting you with delicious tasters and samples before you buy. It all adds up to a great afternoon, or evening’s, entertainment for you, your family and friends.

Here is a Taste of what you can do at the event:

• Meet award winning and celebrity chefs around the festival and taste their creations,
• Sample signature dishes from Dubai's finest restaurants
• See how your favourite chefs work their magic in the Mark Wilkinson Chefs Theatre
• Learn from professional chefs in the Spinneys Cookery School,
• Taste and appreciate fine beverages in the MMI Beverage Theatre,
• Buy from a mouth watering array of premium brands in the Taste Marketplace
• Relax to live entertainment from the Entertainment stage,
• Chill out in the Shisha Lounge sponsored by Almaz by Momo,
• Keep the children happy in the Kiddies Kitchen.
With play kitchens, utensils and food supplied by the Early Learning Centre and cookies and cupcakes to transform into culinary masterpieces with Sugar Daddy’s and Sprinklez, the kids will be well catered for. When they get tired of cooking they can move into the special chill out zone with food themed movies and TV programmes, enjoy the calm creative arts area or battle it out on the video games console. The Kiddies’ Kitchen will be professionally supervised and free of charge for children aged from two up to nine, allowing parents some ‘adult time’ to relax.

There will also be special sessions for older children (8–14yrs) in the Cookery School with the renowned Greek Chef Yiannis Baxevanis, from the Elia restaurant at the Majestic Hotel, Dubai.

And that’s just for starters........

For more info

Childcare in Dubai

If you have just moved to Dubai and you have children then one of the top things to organise would be childcare during the day.There are many nurseries available in Dubai, but the demand for places is stll high and you should try to get your child's name on a nursery's waiting list as soon as possible.Most nurseries do not take children who are under 18 months old. Care is usually provided during 'school hours', i.e. from 8 a.m. until 12.30 p.m.

List of nursery schools in Dubai

If both parents are working, it will be difficult to find a nursery that can care for your child full time and you should instead consider hiring a maid or nanny. As the employer, you will have to pay around 1000 AED in salary per month and you will be responsible for the cost of obtaining a visa for your employee, who will probably be a foreign worker, which amounts to 5200 AED. It is also normal to pay for an airfare to her home country every two years. The visa must be renewed every year.

A number of agencies offer part time home help on an hourly basis, which may prove to be a more economical option. The charges are usually in the region of 20 AED per hour.

Babysitting

If you are looking for childcare for the evening, the best option would be to to ask your neighbours and friends for sitters which they use.At least that way you will have reliable references and end up with good help so your children are safe and you are free to enjoy your evening out.Also the classified advertisements sections of local newspapers may have advertisements from students seeking babysitting work to earn a little extra money.Even in this case always ask for references and follow up on the references to ensure peace of mind.

Coldplay Debut in Dubai March 28, 2009

British rockers Coldplay have signed a lucrative deal to perform in the United Arab Emirates.
The hitmakers are to play a one-off gig in Dubai's luxurious Emirates Palace and earning a reported $2 million for just one night's work.
Regional fans of the band have waited a long time for this show and they won't be disappointed.
Other stars to have played at the venue include Bon Jovi,Justin Timberlake,Shakira,Christina Aguilera and Elton John.

Venue:Emirates Palace Hotel
Time Doors open 6pm
show starts at 9pm.
Entry Fees Diamond standing ticket plus parking pass - Dhs895, Diamond standing - Dhs795, Pearl seating - Dhs495, Coral standing - Dhs295

To buy tickets

Dubai Airshow 15-19 Nov 2009

The Dubai Airshow is held every two years and the last one was in 2007.This year the Dubai Airshow will be held on 15-19 November 2008.

The venue will be at Airport Expo Dubai which is conveniently located adjacent to Dubai International airport and about 15 minutes from the heart of the city. Airport Expo is a high-standard, modern venue and ideally located to offer maximum functionality and flexibility to exhibitors and visitors alike.

Organisers of the Dubai Airshow 2009 are enlarging the free exhibition space for the United Nation's World Food Programme .
In 2007 the Dubai Airshow set a precedent in corporate social responsibility by being the first exhibition to donate space to the WFP, which charters aircraft and sources logistical assistance from hundreds of contractors to deliver aid in times of disaster and crisis.

As a result of this high-profile exposure which gave WFP access to more than 850 exhibitors and 45,000 trade visitors from 131 countries, the UN humanitarian body recorded an increase in the number of air service providers used for aid programmes in 2008/9, which includes the current major aid schemes in Gaza.

Some information from the Dubai Airshow 2007

Number of Trade Visitors

Airlines 15,897
Military 7,721
Embassies, Consulates, Ministries, Government Authorities 1,635
Aerospace Manufacturing 1,816
Business & General Aviation 3,224
Training & Simulation 1,453
Aviation Support Services 1,771
Unmanned 1,816
Helicopters 1,044
Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul 1,362
Aerospace Distributors 817
Finance, Banking, Leasing and Insurance 499
Aircraft Interiors 1,362
Press 1,300
Other 4,996

For further information on the Dubai Air Show 2009 please visit their official website at:
Dubai Airshow

GULFOOD Exhibition 23-26 February 2009

Gulfood exhibition is a showcase for manufacturers, distributors, and suppliers from around the world, representing all of the key sectors within the food and hospitality trade.
It is the region's largest and most important industry event of the year and a strategic platform for buyers and sellers to conduct direct business face to face.

The 2008 event registered 2,965 companies from 72 countries take part in Gulfood and the new Restaurant & Café Middle East showcasing the latest offerings to over 39,000 trade visitors, 86% of which were international participants. The event also featured new government supported groups from Bosnia & Herzegovina, Ecuador, Hungary, Malawi, Northern Ireland, Poland, Switzerland and Uruguay, representing 70 national pavilions in total.

For further information on Gulfood please download the complete post show report below.
Download2008 Post Show Report

To download Adobe Reader, please Click Here

The 13th edition of Gulfood in 2008 has confirmed over 20% growth in exhibition space, with an expansion into Sheikh Rashid and Sheikh Maktoum Halls at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Exhibitors at GULFOOD

Beverages (non-alcoholic)
Canned and Processed Foods
Bakery and Confectionery Products
Bakery and Confectionery Machinery
Coffee and Tea
Dairy Products
Food Ingredients
Organic and Fresh Produce
Frozen and Chilled Foods
Foodservices
Food Related Retail Equipment
Food Packaging and Labelling
Food Processing Machinery
Catering Equipment
Vending Machinery
Halal Food
Health Food
Hospitality Equipment and Supplies
Hospitality Technology
Hotel Supplies and Services
Kitchen Equipment
Meat and Poultry
Speciality and Fine Foods
Refrigeration Equipment
Seafood
Snacks and Fast Food
Tableware and Accessories

For more information visit www.gulfood.com

Dubai International Food Safety Conference 2009

Presentation Will Focus on Food Safety Regulations for Organic Foods

Joe Smillie, Quality Assurance International (QAI) Senior Vice President, will discuss how an additional level of scrutiny is involved in terms of food safety when it comes to organic foods at GULFOOD 2009 on the 26 February 2009 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

The presentation will take place at GULFOOD 2009, Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, Dubai. GULFOOD is one of the world's top exhibitions for the food, drink, foodservice and hospitality industry.and is organized by the Dubai Government and supported by the International Association for Food Protection (IAFP).

Food and beverage manufacturers, organic retailers, importers, suppliers and industry organizations are encouraged to attend.

Joe Smillie is the Senior Vice President of Quality Assurance International, a San Diego, California-based certification agency. He manages the company's eastern U.S. and Canada sales, operations, government regulatory affairs, and international business development. He has been involved in the organic movement and industry since 1975 as a farmer, inspector, consultant, author and certification agent. Smillie has become a recognized authority on all aspects of organic production, National Organic Program (NOP) regulations and international trade. He has been instrumental in protecting the integrity of organic products and advancing the growth of the organic industry. In January 2006, he was appointed to the National Organic Standards Board to serve a five-year term as the certification representative.

Quality Assurance International (QAI, Inc.), founded in 1989, is the organic industry leader in certification services with operations in the U.S., Canada, Japan and the European Union. Clients include agricultural producers, food processing facilities, integrated manufacturing operations, contract packing operations, traders, distributors, and retailers. QAI's programs verify organic compliance at every link of the product handling chain, thus assuring consumers that product integrity is preserved in the marketplace. QAI is a pioneer in the organic industry and remains dedicated to fostering sustainable agriculture and promoting a healthy planet.

Contact: Julie Lunn
The Fresh Ideas Group
Tel: 303-449-2108 x 10
Email: Julie@freshideasgroup.com

Dubai Fashion Week 5-9 April 2009

Concept Events,organisers of Dubai Fashion Week have announced details about the Autumn/Winter 2009 season to be showcased between April 5th - 9th this year.

Dubai Fashion Week will be be held in the Godolphin Ballroom, Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Dubai.
Over 30 designers are staking their claim to DFW's catwalk with entries including Walid Atallah, Reem Ali Beljafla, HSY, Hatem Alakeel, Amal Murad, Salma Khan and Mariam Al Mazro. Collections will range from couture to prêt à porter.
This is Dubai Fashion Week's 5th season.

Dubai Fashion Week is the region's flagship fashion trade event and focuses on offering retail buyers, fashion professionals and media an exclusive preview of the season's upcoming collections and trends, thus generating publicity and revenue for the fashion industry.

Dubai Fashion Week is a 'by invitation only' fashion trade event aimed at bringing together major advocates of the fashion industry by providing them a common platform. Overseen by an advisory board, DFW enables local and regional designers and fashion houses to present their collection to global and regional buyers, media, fashion professionals and the general public.

DFW is owned and organised by Concept Events, a member of Concept Group, a full service event management company with wide expertise and experience of managing corporate events, seminars and exhibitions, as well as live entertainment, award ceremonies and trade shows. DFW was co-founded by Marc Robinson who is a well-known international fashion show producer. DIFW® and Dubai International Fashion Week® are registered trademarks and Concept Events continues to bear rights to their usage.

Media Information
A media centre, fully equipped with state of the art facilities such as laptops, wi-fi internet, printer, scanner, photocopier, fax machine, etc., is available onsite to accommodate all media requirements, ensuring maximum exposure for the event as well as the participants.

For more information, please contact:
Tel: +971 (4) 3344 930Fax: +971 (4) 3344 923
Email: media.DFW@hillandknowlton.com

European Tour Timetable 2009-Final Game at Earth Course in Dubai

January 2009
8th - 11th : Joburg Open, Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Club, Johannesburg, South Africa.
15th - 18th : The Abu Dhabi Golf Championship, Abu Dhabi Golf Club, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
22nd - 25th : Commercialbank Qatar Masters Presented by Dolphin Energy, Doha GC, Qatar.
29th - 1st February : Dubai Desert Classic, Emirates GC, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

February 2009
5th - 8th : Emaar-MGF Indian Masters, Delhi GC, Delhi, India.
12th - 15th : Maybank Malaysian Open, TBA, TBC.
19th - 22nd : Johnnie Walker Classic, The Vines Resort & Country Club , Perth, Australia.
26th - 1st March : Indonesia Open, New Kuta GC, Bali, Indonesia.

March 2009
26th - 29th : Open de Andalucia, TBC, TBC.

April 2009
2nd - 5th : Estoril Open de Portugal, Oitavos Dunes, Estoril, Portugal.
23rd - 26th : Ballantine's Championship, Pinx GC, Jeju Island, South Korea.
30th - 3rd May : Open de Espana, TBC, TBC.

May 2009
7th - 10th : Italian Open, TBC.
14th - 17th : The Irish Open, TBC.
21st - 24th : BMW PGA Championship, Wentworth Club, Surrey, England.
28th - 31st : The European Open, TBC.

June 2009
4th - 7th : The Celtic Manor Wales Open, The Celtic Manor Resort, Newport, Wales.
11th - 14th : Austrian Golf Open, Fontana GC, Vienna, Austria.
18th - 21st: SAINT-OMER OPEN presented by Neuflize OBC, Aa Saint Omer GC, Lumbres, France.
25th - 28th : BMW International Open, Golfclub Munchen Eichenried, Munich, Germany.

July 2009
2nd - 5th: Open de France Alstom, Le Golf National, Paris, France.
9th - 12th: The Barclays Scottish Open, Loch Lomond GC, Glasgow, Scotland.
23rd - 26th: SAS Masters, Barseback G&CC, Skane, Malmo, Sweden.
30th - 2nd August: Czech Golf Open, Prosper Golf Resort, Celadna, Czech Republic.

August 2009
13th - 16th: The English Open, St Mellion International Resort, Cornwall, England.
20th - 23rd: The KLM Open, Kennemer G&CC, Zandvoort, Netherlands.
27th - 30th: Johnnie Walker Championships, The Gleneagles Hotel, Perthshire, Scotland.

September 2009
3rd - 6th: Omega European Masters, Crans-sur-Sierre, Crans, Switzerland.
10th - 13th: Mercedes-Benz Championship, Golf Club Gut Larchenhof, Cologne, Germany.
17th - 20th: British Masters, TBC.
24th - 27th: Volvo World Match Play Championship, Finca Cortesin GC, Malaga, Spain.
24th - 27th: Canal + Open, TBC.

October 2009
1st - 4th: Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, Old Course, St Andrews, Carnoustie & Kingsbarns, Fife, Scotland.
8th - 11th: Madrid Masters, Club de Campo Villa de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
15th - 18th: Portugal Masters, Oceânico Victoria Golf Course, Vilamoura, Portugal.
22nd - 25th: CASTELLÓ MASTERS Costa Azahar, Club de Campo del Mediterráneo, Castellón, Spain.
29th - 1st November: TBC, TBC.

November 2009
12th - 15th: UBS Hong Kong Open, Hong Kong GC, Fanling, Hong Kong.
19th - 22nd THE DUBAI WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP, Earth Course, Jumeirah Golf Estates, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Dubai-convert a foreign drivers license

Transfer of Existing Driving License
You may be eligible to transfer your existing driving license, without having to take a driving test or going to a driving school, if you have a valid driving license from some countries. You have to be a citizen of the country given below with current resident status in UAE. This means that former residents from these countries who may be holding permanent driver licenses are not eligible and you will have to follow all the steps to get a new license as given here.

The countries from which citizens can transfer are given below:
Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Kuwait, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Poland, Qatar, Romania, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States. (Please call RTA on 8009090 for any changes to this list)
Please note:
Driving license holders of some countries in the above list will require translations or consulate letters. These countries are:
Canada: A letter from the Canadian Consulate in Dubai to verify that the license is genuine is required, before transferring your license.

Driving license holders from Greece, Canada, Turkey, Japan & South Korea will require a translation of their driving license from their respective consulates.

Fees & Documents Required: Passport for residents (original & copy) residence permit copy, current driving license (original & copy), translation of driving license (for some countries), consulate letter (for Canadians), 1 passport photo, eye test certificate & AED 100 for transfer fee. Also required is a no-objection letter from your sponsor.

Easy Steps
1. Get an eye test done. This can be done at any hospital, clinic or optician. Give them 2 passport-sized photos and mention that it is for a driving license. Most opticians will not charge for the test, while there may be a small fee for others.2. Carry all documents mentioned above & go to Dubai Traffic Department Driving License Section in Al Ghusais from 7.30 am to 2.30 pm on a working day. Ladies can go to the Ladies Section, where the work is even quicker.3. Fill up application form & submit all documents to the officer.4. Take signed documents from officer & pay AED 100 to the cashier.5. Submit all documents at Data Entry Counter.6. Your name will be called out and your photograph taken.7. A few minutes later, you will receive your license.
To keep track of updated changes to procedures, please see the Dubai Traffic Website.

Dubai Emergency Numbers

Emergency Services
Police 999
Fire Department 997
Ambulance 999
Electricity 991
Water 991

Hospital Emergency Numbers
Al Maktoum Hospital 228-4584
Al Wasl Hospital 324-1111
American Hospital 309-6645
Dubai Hospital 271-4444
Kuwait Hospital 707-8206
Rashid Hospital 337-1323
Welcare Hospital 282-9900

Lost Credit Cards
Citibank 800-4000
Commercial Bank of Dubai 800-4474
Emirates Bank International 800-4080
National Bank of Dubai 800-4767 / 223-3166
American Express 336-5000
Diner's Club 349-8200
Mastercard International 332-2956
Visa 223-6888

Airports/Flight Enquiry
Dubai International Airport 224-5555
Flight Enquiry 04-2166666

Radio Taxi
Cars Taxi 800-4825
Dubai Taxi 208-0808
Golden taxi 336-5444
Gulf Radio Taxi 223-6666
Internite Taxi 272-8299
National Taxi 336-6611

Taxi Rates
Day Rate: Dhs 3 plus Dhs 1.17 per km
Night Rate: Dhs 3.50 plus Dhs 1.70 per km
Airport Rate: Dhs 16 plus .50 fils per 500 metres

Operator Services
Directory Enquiry 181
Telephone Assistance 100
Mobile Tel. Enquiries 101
Call Booking & Enquiry 151
Fault Reporting 171

Driving in Dubai-All the information you need

Transportation

Bus/Coach
The Dubai Municipality (04 2859401) operates a public bus service, running from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Three types of bus pass are available, offering travel up to a fixed cost, monthly travel on one side of the creek, or monthly travel throughout the city. Both the routes and the bus numbers are displayed in Arabic and English. Passes, timetables and bus maps are available from the main bus stations at Bur Dubai on Al Ghubaiba Rd and in Deira near the Gold Souq. Bus maps and timetables can be viewed on line on the Dubai Municipality website, www.dubai.ae.

Intercity buses operate within Dubai and depart every hour for Hatta and twice a day for Muscat, Oman (5-6 hours). Inter-emirate travel is run by Dubai Transport minibuses, however you can only pick these up in Dubai. Telephone 04 2273840, for services to the Northern Emirates, or 04 3937014, for Abu Dhabi and Al Ain.

Taxi
Taxis are plentiful and relatively inexpensive.Dubai has a taxi fleet of around 5,000, so it is pretty easy to flag one down or order one to come and pick you up wherever you are. You can flag a taxi down on the street, or book by telephone. The official, cream coloured taxis are metered and therefore usually cheaper, but the majority of other taxis in Dubai do not have meters and you must expect to haggle for a good price before beginning your trip.

Taxi contacts:
Dubai Transport 04 2080808
Cars Taxi 04 2693344
Golden Taxi 04 3365444
Gulf Radio Taxi 04 2236666
National Taxi 04 3366611

Driving
Car prices are generally lower than they are in other countries. Car pooling has not really taken off here and most street side parking in Dubai is now governed by parking meters.

Parking Cards
There are several different ways of purchasing pre-paid parking cards. The first way is through the post office where you can get pay-as-you-go parking card and alternatively, you can buy a card from Dubai Municipality that can be used an unlimited amount over a period of time but parking cards restrict you to off-street parking in designated areas.

Vehicle Leasing
Many people find that they have no other option (due to visa requirements) than to lease a vehicle. Most leasing companies include the following in their rates: registration, maintenance, replacement, 24 hour assistance and insurance. Leasing is generally weekly, monthly or yearly. You will need to provide a passport copy, credit card and a valid driving licence (either your Dubai licence, your licence from your home country, or a valid international licence).

Buying a Vehicle
You must have a residence visa in order to own a car. Most insurance policies cover multiple drivers (as long as they have a valid UAE driving licence, either temporary or permanent).

New Vehicles
Most of the major car makes are available through franchised dealership in Dubai.

Used Vehicles
One of the biggest used-car dealers in Dubai is
4x4 Motors (http://www.4x4motors.com/).
Al Futtaim Automall (http://www.automalluae.com/),
Off Road Motors (3384866),
Jumeirah Motors (next to the Mazaya Centre on Sheikh Zayed Road),
Western Auto (branches at Al Awir and Deira),
Target Auto (near Mazaya Centre),
House of Cars (Sheikh Zayed Road),
and Sun City Motors (branches near the airport,
Al Awir, and Sheikh Zayed Road).
Al Awir is also home to Golden Bell Auctions (http://www.goldenbellauctions.com/)

The Gulf News and Khaleej Times classifieds sections are a good starting place for second-hand cars.

Ownership Transfer
To register a second-hand car in your name you must transfer vehicle ownership. You will need to submit an application form, the valid registration card, the insurance certificate, the original licence plates and Dhs.20 to the Traffic Police, plus an NOC from the finance company, if applicable.

Vehicle Finance
Many new and second-hand car dealers will be able to arrange finance for you, often through a deal with their preferred banking partner.

Vehicle Import
A requirement for cars imported by individuals or private car showrooms that were manufactured after 1997/98 is an NOC from the official agent in the UAE or from the Ministry of Finance and industry (if no official agent exists).

Vehicle Insurance
Before you register your car must have adequate insurance, and there are many insurance companies to choose from in Dubai. The insurers will need to know the usual details such as year of manufacture, and value, as well as the chasis number.The rates generally4 - 7% of personal accident insurance is highly advisable.

Registering a Vehicle
All cars must be registered annually with the Traffic Police. There is a one-month grace period after your registration has expired in which to have your car re-registered (hence the 13 month insurance period), but after that you'll face a Dhs.110 fine for each year the registration has expired.

The Process
In order to get licence plates for the vehicle, the car must first be tested, then registered with the website - http://www.dubaipolice.gov.ae/dp/ - Dubai Traffic Police . Ras Al Khor boasts a five-lane testing centre (Al Ghandi) that is run in conjunction with the Traffic Police. EPPCO and Emarat offer a full registration service for a fee, and registering it, and delivering it back to you all in the same day. EPPCO Tasjeel (2673940) offers a service called Al Sayara. Emarat (3434444) has five full registration and vehicle testing service centres (called Shamil).

Traffic Fines & Offences
If you are caught driving or parking illegally you will be fined unless the offence is more serious, in which case you may be brought before the courts. You can also be fined Dhs.50 on the spot for being caught driving without your licence, so always keep it with you, along with your vehicle's registration card. You can check though, either by calling the Dubai Traffic Police Information Line (2685555) or by visiting their website (http://www.dubaipolice.gov.ae/dp/). You can also pay online using your credit card but this service includes a small service charge.

Breakdowns
In the even of a breakdown, you will usually find that passing police cars stop to help, or at least to check your documents. It is important that you keep water in your car at all times . The Arabian Automobile Association (AAA) (2669989 or 800 4900, www.aaa-uae.com) offers a 24 hour roadside breakdown service for an annual charge. The more advanced service includes off-road recovery, vehicle registration and a rent a car service. Other breakdown services who'll be able to help you out without membership include IATC (although they do offer annual membership also), Dubai Auto Towing Services and AKT Recovery.

Traffic Accidents
If you are involved in an accident, in serious cases dial 999 or in less critical cases, call the police in Deira (266 0555), Bur Dubai (398 1111), or Sharjah (06 538 1111). The Dubai Traffic Police Information Line (268 5555, Arabic & English) gives the numbers of police stations around the emirate.

Black Points
In addition to a system of fines for certain offences, a black points penalty system operates. Your licence is revoked and you have to start the whole process of getting your licence from the beginning. If you do something serious, such as run a red light, your licence can be taken away immediately. However, the rules are somewhat ambiguous, and erratically applied.

Repairs (Vehicle)
By law, no vehicle can be accepted for major 'collision' repairs without an accident report from the Traffic Police, although very minor dents can be repaired without a report. Your insurance company will usually have an agreement with a particular garage to which they will refer you. If your car is in need of attention then the authorized dealer may be the best place to start .

Dubai Visa

If you are travelling to Dubai please use the information below to find out exactly what is required of you in order to obtain a visa

Tel: 009714 3980000
Fax: 009714 3981119
E-mail: dnrd1@emirates.net.ae
Website: http://www.dnrd.gov.ae/DNRD?lang=en-GB

Types of Visas

Transit Visa
These are valid for 14 days and are appropriate for those who are visiting Dubai on short business trips

Visitor Visa
Valid for 30 or 60 days, these visas are applicable to tourists visiting Dubai. If you are visiting prior to deciding whether Dubai is for you, you can do so with a visitor visa.

Employment Visas
The Employment Permit/Visa in Dubai is often referred to as a Labour Card and is issued by the Immigration Department in order to permit a foreign national to work in a UAE company. Anyone working in Dubai who is not a UAE citizen must obtain a labour card prior to beginning work.
Before you can apply for an Employment Visa, you must attend a medical examination to confirm that you are in good health. The examinations are conducted by the Ministry of Health and some private clinics. If you are an HIV or AIDS sufferer, your health card will not be approved and you will not be able to progress with your application for an Employment Visa.
The application for your Labour Card should be submitted to the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs within 30 days of your entry into Dubai. Following this, you should apply for your residency permit (this is stamped in your passport). If you are entering the country on the basis of an employment visa, your employer should complete the formalities of application for the residency permit on your behalf. In all cases, applications for both the Employment Visa and the Residency Permit should be completed within 60 days of your entry into Dubai.

Residence Visa
You must have a residency visa if you are going to live in Dubai and are not a UAE national. You will not be able to open a bank account, register a car, get a telephone connected, or deal with other routine tasks in setting up home in Dubai until you have a residency visa or permit. If you are going to work in Dubai, it is likely that you will be sponsored by your employer, who should make the visa arrangements on your behalf and will explain to you which documents will be required for submission with the visa application. If you are employed from overseas, your employer is responsible for the cost of obtaining your work permit and residency visa. Before you can apply for a residency visa, you must take a medical test and obtain a Health Card, which can be issued by the Ministry of Health or a recognised private hospital. There is an age limit of 50 years for a residency visa, although exceptions may be made to this rule. In general, residence visas are valid for three years.

Family Visa
If you are moving to Dubai with family members, you should obtain a family visa. This allows you to sponsor your family members and there is a minimum earnings level below which the family visa is not available.
Any contact with Israel, including having an Israeli entry stamp in your passport, will preclude you from entry into the UAE.

Dubai Tennis Championships 2009

An unprecedented 10 out of the top 10 women’s players in the world and six of the top 10 men’s players will grace the court at the Dubai Tennis Stadium for the US$1-million Barclays Dubai Tennis Championships.
This extraordinary line-up will include both men’s and women’s defending champions, Andy Roddick and Elena Dementieva, as well as crowd favourites Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and the ever-popular Maria Sharapova and Ana Ivanovic.

Dates: 16 - 28 February 2009
Venue: Dubai Tennis Stadium
Buy tickets online

Global Village 2008-2009

The 13th edition of the Global Village features 31 country pavilions, in addition to 25 restaurants and 120 kiosks. New entertainment attractions include the Guinness World Records Pavilion, the Friends from Little Big Club Pavilion, Beach Adrenaline Jet-Ski Show, Skywheel and World Cultures Stage.
Entry price is AED 10, though a family package of 5 tickets can be purchased for the price of four.
Dates: November 12, 2008 – February 21, 2009
Location: Emirates Road, exit 37
Opening hours:4pm-12am (till 1am on Thursday and Friday)

Dubai Horse Racing World Cup

The Dubai World Cup has again proven to lead the way in horse racing’s international era, its global appeal emphasised by the Dubai Racing Club receiving in excess of 1,600 entries from 27 countries for the world’s richest race-meeting.The 2009 US$6,000,000 Group 1 Dubai World Cup, holds special significance as it will be the 14th and final renewal staged at Nad Al Sheba racecourse before racing is moved to Meydan in 2010.The Dubai World Cup at the Nad Al Sheba Racecourse is the richest horse race in the world. With the mile-and-a-quarter group-one race for four year olds and above offering an incredible US$6-million prize fund, with US$3.6 million going to the winner, it is no surprise that the best horses, jockeys and trainers make the annual trip to the UAE.

Dates: 28 March 2009
Venue: Nad Al Sheba Racecourse

Dubai International Boat Show 3-7 March 2009

The Dubai International Boat Show 2009 is the 17th edition of the event.This is the largest, most important and most established event of its kind in the region and this event will be a classic showcase of boats from both local and international builders together with the latest innovations in marine equipment, supplies and services.

The Dubai International Boat Show maintains its exclusive position offering exhibitors a platform to showcase their products, supplies and services to trade buyers as well as private consumers with a high purchasing power from the wealthy Middle East Regional markets as well as the emerging lucrative countries such as India, Russia and the CIS.

The Dubai International Boat Show is organised by Dubai World Trade Center, which has been at the forefront of exhibitions in the Middle East for over 29 years. The Dubai World Trade Center has a network of worldwide sales agents, first class suppliers of stand and contracting services, and event publicity. The team’s in-depth knowledge of Exhibition Management and the Marine Industry plays a major role in the success and high professional standards of DIBS.

Venue for the Dubai International Boat Show
Established in 1988, the Dubai International Marine Club is one of the most elegant yacht clubs in the region. Over the years it has become the driving force behind the growth of national and international watersport events in the Middle East. Ideally located on Dubai’s enchanting waterfront, next to the Le Meridien Mina Seyahi and The Palm Jumeirah, the Dubai International Marine Club is the perfect venue for the Dubai International Boat Show.

For a list of the exhibitors visit here

In 2008 there were 514 exhibitors which was an increase of 12% from the previous year 2007 list of 460 exhibitors.810 companies and 48 countries were represented in 2008.Visitors increased from 24 456 in 2007 to 27 420 in 2008.

Dubai Fashion 2009-John Galliano

This will be the first time in Dubai that John Galliano presents his collections after opening Middle East's first John Galliano store in Dubai last year.The Dubai Fashion 2009 takes off on February 9, 2009. This event is a Signature event of the Dubai Shopping Festival 2009.

To be held from February 9 to 11, Dubai Fashion 2009 will see the season's hottest trends by leading fashion houses and stores including Saks Fifth Avenue, John Galliano, and the Etoile Group.

Laila Suhail, Chief Executive Officer of the Dubai Shopping Festival Office said: "Over the years we have endeavored to not only feature world-renowned designers but make Dubai Fashion a platform for designers to showcase collections that make their world premiere in Dubai. This world-class event has gained immense popularity and fame regionally and internationally and has become a benchmark for all similar events in the region."

February 9,2009
The inaugural day of the event will host collections presented by Saks Fifth Avenue.

February 10,2009
The second day of the show will see collections of John Galliano, the British Fashion Designer of the Year in 1987, 1994, 1995, and 1997, on the ramp. The show will be a ladies only night.

February 11,2009
The final day will see collections of grand fashion international brands take centre stage with names such as Karl Lagerfeld, Christian Dior, Stella Cadente, Ungaro and Valentino to name a few.

Investment In Dubai-is it still a good idea?

Here are some reasons why investment in Dubai is still a good idea despite the global recession and impact on the UAE

Over the years Dubai has established itself as a tourist hub and has become a very well known city and is now famous.
Dubai has leaders who have plans in place to move away from the traditional reliance on oil and are busy establishing a Dubai targeted at tourism and services.In fact they have been hugely successful at this and this focus remains an ongoing one.
Due to this Dubai properties are widely sought after by real estate investors.

Dubai properties still provide a quick return on investment.Partly due to the number of people moving there for the high pay and tax free status.And partly due to the number of tourists increasing year on year.This means investing in property and then renting out is viable whether for long term(to people moving to Dubai on contracts) or short term(to tourists).

Dubai property prices are still low when compared to London or New York properties and you are virtually guaranteed the same or more in quality.
Dubai investment is easy with little administration.
Dubai is politically stable and has a very low crime rate.

To sum up if you are looking into investing in property consider Dubai for its high returns,quick and easy administration, politically stable climate and high tourism forecasts year on year.

For more information on investing in Dubai visit
http://www.sandcastles-property.com

Dubai Cares-Become a Volunteer

If you have ever thought about donating to the needy Dubai Cares is one charity organisation you should look into.First of all the primary recipients are children,secondly it focuses on education and thirdly the charity originates from the UAE which that alone should guarantee its integrity and the fact that your money is going directly to help the children which it promises to do.In 2007 the aim was to help 1 million children and at the end ended up helping 2 million children more than than the 1 million target.Go visit the site and if you want to give back and would like to be a volunteer there is a space for that.With their transparency you can check how many countries have been helped and what was done for the children of those countries.They have recently added a new "Help the Children of Gaza" link.

Below is a bit more info on what Dubai Cares is all about.Please click on link to access the Dubai Cares site directly and help if you can.

Dubai Cares, a UAE based charitable establishment, was launched on September 19, 2007 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Prime Minister and Vice-President and Ruler of Dubai. Inspired by His Highness' belief that education is the most effective tool to break the cycle of poverty, Dubai Cares aims to improve children's access to primary education in developing countries. Through the introduction of philanthropic initiatives and promotion of social entrepreneurship, Dubai Cares works to mobilize Dubai's multicultural community to contribute to sustainable growth and development around the world.
Dubai Cares' educational focus goes beyond the delivery of the basic needs of school supplies and facilities; it seeks to deliver needs-based development packages which include assistance in the areas of health, nutrition, teacher training and life-skills. Now considered to be the largest NGO dedicated to primary education globally, Dubai Cares is a fully transparent charitable establishment that is run based on international best practices for international NGOs.
Dubai Cares has prioritized its phase one grants to countries that demonstrate the highest gap in primary education. In early 2007, Dubai Cares announced 12 beneficiary countries including Bangladesh, Bosnia, Chad, Comoros Islands, Djibouti, Maldives, Mauritania, Niger, Pakistan, Occupied Palestinian Territories, Sudan and Yemen, as well as Palestinian refugees (in Lebanon and Jordan).
The charitable organization has positioned itself as a strategic coordinator actively engaged with international aid agencies to develop primary education programs addressing the full value chain of education and to ensure immediate impact on the ground. Dubai Cares has active partnerships with Save the Children, UNICEF, Medecins Sans Frontieres, OXFAM and Care International, helping millions of children break free from the trap of poverty by providing them the means to overcome obstacles and become positive contributors to their national development.

First Anniversary of Dubai Crown Prince

Today 1 February 2009 the UAE marks the first anniversary of the historic decree naming H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum as Crown Prince of Dubai and H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum as Deputy Ruler of Dubai.

On February 1, 2008, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum issued two decrees in his capacity as Ruler of Dubai, naming Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum as Crown Prince of Dubai and Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum as Deputy Ruler of Dubai.The two decrees reflected Sheikh Mohammed's visionary outlook and his profound conviction in the capabilities of youth and ensuring continuation of the drive aimed at achieving progress, prosperity and growth in all parts of the UAE.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed is the chairman of the Dubai Executive Council which is entrusted with the task of overseeing Dubai Government entities.Under his leadership, the council has achieved a number of significant milestones including the announcement of the Dubai Government strategy in February 2007, which laid the roadmap for the emirate's development.Sheikh Mohammed has also overseen proper implementation of government projects within the agreed deadlines. In addition to overseeing different movement committees and following up on the daily functions, his responsibilities include giving direction to the government's drive to enhance performance.Sheikh Hamdan also heads the Dubai Sports Council and the Dubai Autism Centre.

Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone Authority (DTMFZA) since 2002 and chairman of Dubai Media Corporation, has contributed to putting the name of the UAE on the world map of technology and media.In the light of the vision of leading the sagacious emirate, and commitment to his directives and his continuous follow-up on the progress of its different establishments, the DTMFZA has managed to set up a number of significant projects, foremost being the Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City and the Knowledge Village.A range of major initiatives has come out as a result of these projects, which boosted the image of the country as a pioneering centre and hub of technology and media, not only in the Middle East, but also at the international level.Sheikh Maktoum enjoys the qualities of young, open-minded leadership. He has made taken important humanitarian initiatives, foremost being the Dubai Cares fundraising initiative aimed at providing the basic education to more than million children in the developing countries

Dubai Real Estate Convention 15-17 February 2009

Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre from February 15th to 17th, Aim 186 Real Estate reports.Representatives from Thailand, Spain, South Africa, Bulgaria, Egypt and the USA will all be present at the show, which gives developers the opportunity to target potential investors and inform them of opportunities that are currently available in the real estate market.For more info on investment in Dubai visit Dubai Properties