• Region is second largest tea consumer globally
• 3^rd Global Dubai Tea Forum concluding day sees trends in innovation, market developments and flavoured tea consumption

The Middle East and Africa region accounts for 13.8 per cent of global tea consumption, and is the second largest consumer of tea globally, according to tea experts at the 3^rd Global Dubai Tea Forum 2010.

The two-day biennial forum concluded today with discussions of trends in innovation and current market developments; tea consumption habits in Canada, the United States, Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States; as well as the growing popularity of flavoured tea globally. During the event, tea experts also examined effective ways of marketing tea and creating stronger brands, followed by a unique tea tasting session that allowed participants to try a range of teas from different tea producing countries.

Read more

ART Marine, an Abraaj Capital portfolio company and the Middle East’s largest importer and distributor of luxury motor-yachts, has embarked on a comprehensive and experiential campaign “Discover Yachting” to open up the exciting world of yachting to a broader audience.

Announced during the Dubai International Boat Show, held from 9^th – 13^th March 2010 at the Dubai International Marine Club, the campaign includes the launch to the region of a broad range of new models in the Azimut and Atlantis ranges, the introduction of two new U.S. recreational boating brands to the Middle East market, prestigious new charter partnerships, and the expansion of ART Marine’s marina management portfolio.

Read more

The Dubai International Boat Show has attracted back David Jensen, Chairman of Jensen Interiors who exhibited alongside Callender Designs at the Abu Dhabi Yacht Show just two weeks ago.

In Abu Dhabi, the award winning, revolutionary Soliloquy super-eco-friendly superyacht concept was one of the show’s most popular attractions as yacht owners, designers and builders flocked to the stand to see the design which has attracted World-wide attention.

Jensen Interiors collaborated with Callender Designs to develop a super-eco-friendly interior design concept for the yacht.

Read more

H.H Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Minister of Finance and President of Dubai Health Authority inaugurated this morning, the fourteenth edition of the UAE International Dental Conference and Arab Dental Exhibition (AEEDC Dubai 2010), at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition centre. His highness Sheikh Hamdan was accompanied with a number of ministers and local and international representatives from 120 countries during the opening ceremony along with heads of delegates and in the presence of Roberto Vianna, president of FDI.

Read more

Sulayem marks opening of Commercial Vehicles Middle East with challenge to make new models as long lasting as predecessors

Mohammed Ben Sulayem marked the official opening of the Middle East’s new showcase event for the commercial vehicles industry in Dubai today by urging manufacturers to keep safety and the environment as major priorities as they plan their recovery from the economic downturn.

Sulayem, President of the Automobile and Touring Club of the UAE and a highly respected figure in automotive circles, also called on the leading commercial vehicle brands to prove that new models being launched today can be as reliable and long lasting as their predecessors.

Read more

• Biennial event held under patronage of HE Sultan Bin Saeed Al Mansoori
• More than 360 delegates attended first day of forum from over 35 countries

Held under the patronage of His Excellency Sultan Bin Saeed Al Mansoori, UAE Minister of Economy, the 3^rd Global Dubai Tea Forum opened today at Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi with over 360 delegates attending from over 35 countries.

His Excellency Sultan Bin Saeed Al Mansoori inaugurated the forum and delivered a keynote address at the only event in the region specific to the global tea industry.

“The Global Dubai Tea Forum has a key role to play in strengthening market confidence,” Al Mansoori said. “It brings experts together to engage in healthy discussion and arrive at informed decisions. Only through such collaborative initiatives can we sustain and improve market and investor confidence.”

Read more

Sharjah Natural History and Botanical Museum of Sharjah Museums Department (SMD) is participating in the International Plant Expo Middle East (IPM Dubai 2010), being held at Dubai Airport Expo from March 8 to 10, 2010. The participation is part of the museum’s efforts to raise public awareness of the importance of the UAE’s natural environment and how to preserve this legacy for future generations.

Read more

Creating industry focal point in Dubai with new vehicle spotlight, three-day exhibition and conference adds a taste of history

Classic commercial vehicles dating back to the early days of transport in the UAE will share the limelight with the latest models being launched in the Middle East market in Dubai this week.

Among them is a 1942 Dodge Power Wagon which was saved from the scrap yard after being left abandoned when a garage business shut down in Sharjah.

Restored and displayed at Sharjah Old Cars Club and Museum, it will now be part of a special historic attraction at Commercial Vehicles Middle East, the new three-day trade exhibition and conference getting under way inside the new Sheikh Saeed Halls at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre tomorrow (Tuesday) morning.

Read more

One of the most comprehensive and open debates yet on the future of real estate investment regionally and internationally involving more than 120 speakers from over 25 countries takes place during Cityscape Abu Dhabi, at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre from 18-21 April 2010.
“Given the dramatic changes that have impacted the global markets over the past year or more, we are planning a frank debate without restriction, presenting real estate professionals with a transparent platform to explore the real issues and challenges confronting the real estate investment industry,” said Chris Speller, Cityscape Group Director.
“The conference will have 36 sessions across three concurrent streams over three days covering a myriad of topics including the impact of the financial crisis on the real estate market; how the GCC countries have confronted the crisis; the viability of real estate investment trusts in the Middle East; and the transparency and consistency of real estate data throughout the region,” he added.

Other sessions on the extensive agenda include; comparing the performance of emerging markets with mature markets; opportunities in distressed real estate; the institutional investment market; the mortgage finance market in the United Arab Emirates; affordable housing; debt restructuring strategies; sustainable design and development; and mortgage-backed securities.

Read more

Dubai is to host the seventh edition of the Dubai International Rehabilitation Forum – REHAB 2010, which will be held from the 15^th – 17^th of March at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. REHAB is held under the patronage of H.H Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid AL Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, and Minster of Finance, and organized by Index Conferences and Exhibitions Organisation Est. – member of Index Holding, and in cooperation with Dubai Club for Special Sports.

REHAB 2010 is to be held under the motto “Beyond Inclusion and Partnership”. The conference brings together international key specialists in the field of disability and rehabilitation to discuss the latest developments and updates in this particular field, while highlighting the role of inclusion which is considered a major objective and challenge.

Read more