The 1st Threadneedle Dubai Gold Cup had some of the best polo professionals and horses taking part at the Dubai Polo and Equestrian Club from the 6th-12th March 2010. The event is aiming to rank alongside others, already established championships held in UAE, such as the Dubai Desert Classic, Dubai Tennis Championships and the Dubai World Cup. The Dubai Gold Cup will become very important sporting event on Dubai’s calendar, as there are only few Gold Cups held all over the world, according Mohammed Al Habtoor: “in England, in Spain and at Palm Beach”. This was the first time for Dubai to host the Gold cup series polo tournament, one of the most important and prestigious polo tournaments to grace the region.

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It’s usually known for its lavish displays of wealth, but this year’s Dubai boat show is very different. It’s smaller and more modest – but in the wake of the global recession, that’s understandable. But the big question is whether it can still make money.

Saud Masud, head of Middle Eastern research at UBS AG, talks about Dubai World’s plan to renegotiate about $26 billion of debt. Masud also discusses the future of Dubai’s economic model and the risk associated with its dependence on foreign workers and the real estate market. He speaks with Bloomberg’s Linzie Janis from Dubai.

The Hurt Locker, a film following the fortunes of a bomb disposal team in Iraq, has received nine academy award nominations for an Oscar, including one for best picture and director, and is considered a favourite in both categories.
While there has been no shortage of critical acclaim for the film, it has not had the same success at the box office.
Making just $12m in the US and another $6m overseas, if the Hurt Locker wins an Oscar it would be one of the lowest-grossing winners ever.

Having an MBA once guaranteed you a high-flying job with an even higher salary. But that’s not necessarily true anymore. In the wake of the global recession, there are now more skilled jobseekers than there are skilled jobs. But that’s not deterred record numbers of students applying for MBAs this year. But why?

The government of Abu Dhabi has noted the recent action taken by Moody’s Investors Service to downgrade the ratings of several Abu Dhabi’s government-related issuers. Commenting on the move the Undersecretary of Abu Dhabi’s Department of Finance,  H.E. Hamad al Hurr Al- Suwaidi said, “We obviously disagree with the reasoning involved in a number of Moody’s decisions, especially those concerning TDIC, Mubadala, and IPIC “.

He asserted that there has been absolutely no change in any aspect of government support for those three companies. His Excellency also reiterated that the government continues to support Taqa. “Taqa is majority-owned by the government, provides almost all of Abu Dhabi’s water and electricity supply, and plays an important role in the Emirate’s energy policy.”

“The three companies TDIC, Mubadala, and IPIC are 100% government-owned and they each play a crucial role in the government’s strategy for diversifying the economy. They are irreplaceable.” His Excellency said.

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To celebrate World Book Day, Emirates took thousands of travellers on a literary journey by orchestrating a mass book sharing initiative across its global network of more than 100 destinations.

Lucky passengers on board every Emirates flight departing the airline’s Dubai hub today were presented a novel as part of the annual drive to encourage the joy of reading and promote literacy.

Cabin crew were integral to the operation, with more than 1000 of them arriving for duty with a stack of books written by authors who are part of the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, running from 10th to 13th March.

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H.H. Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chief of Abu Dhabi Crown Prince’s Court today inaugurated the 20th round of Abu Dhabi International Book Fair.

The event is being organized by “Kitab” at Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Centre (ADNEC) under the patronage of H.H. General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

Over 800 exhibitors from more than 60 countries are participating in the exhibition that will last for six days. Visitors will have the opportunity to find new and unique books, until now available only through selected online retailers such as  Amazon.com and  CollectablesDirect.com!

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Sheikhs, Senior Officials, Ambassadors, members of the diplomatic corps, and Arab and foreign media representatives.

The 15^th edition of Dubai Shopping Festival came to a glittering close at the One and Only – Royal Mirage on Sunday, February 28, after 32 days of festivities across Dubai.

The ceremony was attended by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council; His Highness Sheikh Hasher Bin Maktoum Al Maktoum, Director General, Government of Dubai Information; His Excellency Sami Al Qamzi, Director General of the Dubai Department of Economic Department; Laila Suhail, CEO of Dubai Events and Promotions Establishment, Ibrahim Saleh, Coordinator General, and a host of important officials, in addition to local, regional, and international media.

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When it comes to witnessing the sweeping vistas of the world, Mr Barry E. Wilmore and Dr Robert L. Satcher Jr have seen it all – from space.

In Dubai on a private visit organised by GEMS Education, the two astronauts from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), were treated to another awe-inspiring bird’s-eye view of the city – this time, from the highest point in the city, Burj Khalifa.

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