Italian furniture in vogue in UAE homes Wednesday, Oct 31 2007 

Italian designs are renowned for their elegant creations all over the world. UAE is fast emerging as a destination to own world class homes and Italian furniture is stealing the show in a big way. Interior designers working in hotspots such as the real estate sector in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and now Ras Al Khaimah are increasingly going for Italian furniture, fittings and accessories.

Italian companies have been marketing their products in the UAE for over a decade now. The ongoing property boom in the emirates has increased the importance of Italian products. Italian furniture and fittings offer beauty, elegance and comfort all rolled into one package. They lend an innovative tinge to the fast-emerging luxury real estate in the emirates.

Some renowned Italian brands in UAE

· Selva – Based in Italy and having branches in UAE, USA and Russia, Selva specializes in turnkey projects and custom solutions. Selva’s handmade furniture is renowned all over the world. Moreover, their interior designer offers free design layouts.

· B&B Italia – B&B Italia is known for its modern style furnishings since 1966. Always up in capturing the nerve of the market, B&B offer contemporary finishes and innovative designs.

· Boffi – Pioneers in designing state of the art kitchen furniture, Boffi is a name UAE interior designers trust for its impeccable quality.

· Al Otaiba Ferretti – Custom-designed kitchens are the forte of Al Otaiba Ferretti. Al Otaiba Ferretti has been supplying kitchens, vanities and wardrobes to a number of commercial and residential projects in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

From the times of Leonardo da Vinci, Botticelli and Michelangelo, Italians are known for their art and creativity. No wonder Italian creations are making a mark in international markets today. The increased usage of things Italian in UAE homes is a good indicator of the emergence of the country in comfort and luxury on the global arena.

Biblio: Interior Decoration Ideas for your Dubai home

Anyone for Feline Friends? Monday, Oct 29 2007 

Would you like to have cute and cuddly feline friends? Feline Friends – a voluntary organization in the United Arab Emirates is offering cats and kittens that were abandoned by their owners. All cats are duly vaccinated and neutered, and in need of loving owners. 

These huggable little kitties will surely win your heart!

You could contact Feline Friends:
Dubai: 050-4510058
Abu Dhabi: 050-8231569
Al Ain: alainfelinefriends@yahoo.ca
Web site: www.felinefriendsuae.com
Email: felinefriendsdubai@yahoo.co.uk
There will also be a fund-raising Feline Friends Ball in November 2007. Dubai residents and tourists can contribute in the noble cause.

Feline Friends Ball
November 23, 2007
Venue: Dusit Dubai
Ticket: 350 AED per head (inclusive of a 3-course meal and house beverages)
For reservation/ inquiry, kindly contact: Angela–050-4591297; Elmien–050-8509227

First Female Pilots in UAE’s Aeronautical History Monday, Oct 29 2007 

Two UAE women are going to be the first female pilots in the UAE. Salma Mohammad Al Baloushi from Al Ain and Aisha Hassan Al Mansouri from Khor Fakkan are graduating as cadet pilots for the Etihad Airlines.

The two women were chosen after extensive assessment rounds, personality tests and medical examinations by Etihad. Both are proud to represent the female population of the UAE on top of the world!!

Bait Al Khair Society Children Heave a Sigh of Relief Friday, Oct 26 2007 

Bait Al Khair Society – a charitable organization in the UAE - have recently received donations worth 6 million AED from one of the largest real estate developers in the world Nakheel Properties. Bait Al Khair Society works for the welfare of the disadvantaged nationals of the United Arab Emirates. The generous gesture closely follows and is part of the ‘Ramadan Kareem Make a Wish’ charity initiative from the real estate developers.

Nakheel’s Ramadan charity campaign drew in 400,000 AED worth of donations from around the world. The company have pitched in more to make a total contribution of 6 million AED to Bait Al Khair Society as pledged during Ramadan. The occasion saw a boat trip to the Palm Jumeirah for 70 children from the Society courtesy Nakheel.

A word about Bait Al Khair Society

Established in 1989, Bait Al Khair Society raises funds and organizes programs for uplifting the disadvantaged sections of UAE society. Widows, divorcees, low-income nationals, patients, disabled nationals, families of prisoners, nationals with special needs, orphans and students from poor families come into the ambit of the organization. In order to carry out its charitable initiatives, Bait Al Khair Society works in collaboration with public welfare institutions in the Emirates.

A Tour around Khalifa Park Tuesday, Oct 23 2007 

Abu Dhabi’s Eid gift to the world is finally out! Khalifa Park has opened to public. Let’s take a tour around to see the surprises in store.

Click here for Khalifa Park photographs.

Take a Train Tour: Board the Park’s very own train at the Falcon Gate Station to take a tour.

Grand Avenue: The Grand Avenue is beautifully landscaped and has access to all the areas of the park. Gurgling fountains amid an avenue of carefully pruned trees and vast lawns epitomize the splendour of Khalifa Park.

Central Plaza: The Grand Avenue will take you to the Central Plaza – a place for rendezvous to catch up with old friends and family.

The Museum: The Maritime Museum traces the history of Abu Dhabi from prehistoric times to the present.

Time Tunnel: A highlight of the museum is the Time Tunnel ride wherein a monorail takes you on a journey of living history - complete with the sights, sounds and smells of yore. The Time Tunnel traces the earliest settlements in the emirate that date back to 5000 years from now.

The Canal: The largest water feature of Khalifa Park is the Canal which offers a serene atmosphere quite antithetical to the madness of city life.

Amphitheatre: Khalifa Prk Amphitheatre is a hub for enjoying live shows, parades, circus or a time-halting demonstration of the traditional art of falconry. The amphitheatre is quite spacious with a seating capacity of 3200.

Party Hall: The Party Hall is Khalifa Park’s answer to businessmen and socialites. One can organize social events and parties amid spectacular views of the park. With quality catering facilities, the two spacious pavilions are ideal for holding exhibitions, conferences, weddings and parties.

Women & Children’s Garden: Safe play areas for kids and relaxing environs for mothers – Women & Children’s Garden at Khalifa Park has a number of water games in store too!

Theme Park: The theme park has thrilling rides to be enjoyed by children and adults alike. 

Gardens: There are a number of landscaped gardens in Khalifa Park with water features, beautiful sculptures and the ubiquitous date palm plantations.

The Mosque: There is a mosque in the Park offering opportunities for self-reflection and meditation.

Islamic Garden: This landscaped garden offers serene and tranquil environment which lends it an other-worldly charm.

All in all, Khalifa Park is an entertainment-cum-enlightenment site – a place that beautifully blends tradition and modernity so much like Abu Dhabi, Dubai and other emerging emirates of UAE.

Location: Eastern Ring Road, behind the old airport, Abu Dhabi  

Vital Stats:

Area – 500,000 sq m
Building Costs: 197 million AED

Festival of Thinkers, UAE Monday, Oct 22 2007 

Festival of Thinkers 2007
October 22–24, 2007
Emirates Palace Hotel, Abu Dhabi

The best minds of the world are coming together in the Festival of Thinkers 2007 which is beginning today in the capital of United Arab Emirates. Prominent thinkers, scholars and scientists from around the globe will be participating in the event. Around 150 intellectuals, including 20 Nobel laureates have gathered in Abu Dhabi.

Organized by the Higher Colleges of Technology, the festival aims at improving inter-national relations in the fields of education, science and technology. It is also hoped that the event will seek to aid in the development of human resources in the Emirates. In this connection, Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation has also been launched.

Festival of Thinkers is a biennial event patronized by General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.  

UAE granted Malaria-Free Status by WHO Saturday, Oct 20 2007 

For continued efforts of the UAE government in eliminating the deadly disease of malaria, United Nations World Health Organization is granting the country a malaria-free status today. UAE Minister of Health Humaid Al Qutami will receive the certificate in a ceremony at Cairo that will be attended by WHO Director General Dr. Margaret Chan and 22 health ministers.

Malaria is a major health concern in many parts of the world even today. Out of 300 million people infected with malaria worldwide, at least 1 million succumb to death every year.

Abu Dhabi on its way to be a regional cinema hub in UAE Thursday, Oct 18 2007 

This week, Abu Dhabi has hosted its first ever film festival. The Middle East International Film Festival featuring 80 films from 38 countries began on Sunday, October 14, 2007 and will end on Friday, October 19, 2007.

Abu Dhabi will soon come up with proper infrastructural backup required for shooting films. Some scenes of Hollywood movie “The Kingdom” were shot in Abu Dhabi lately. Moreover, Abu Dhabi will soon plunge into the movie production sector in order to finance films through a special fund. Warner Brothers have signed a deal to develop a theme park in Abu Dhabi. As part of the deal concluded between Warner Brothers, Abu Dhabi Media Company and real estate developers ALDAR, a hotel, a number of multiplex cinemas, and a joint film and computer game development fund will be set up in Abu Dhabi.

Abu Dhabi is the wealthiest emirate in the UAE and also the capital of the emirates. Naturally, a cinema festival held here has a great potential for the regional film industry. Close neighbour Dubai, with claims to be a commercial and holiday hub, has already been hosting its own international film festival since the last three years. With plans in the offing for opening a branch of New York Film Academy, Abu Dhabi is on its way to become a regional cinema hub.

Eid ul-Fitr beginning on Friday Friday, Oct 12 2007 


According to the moon-sighting committee based in Abu Dhabi, the first day of Eid ul-Fitr in the UAE will be Friday, October 12, 2007. The date has been arrived at through careful calculations, measurements, and discussion with committees from the neighbouring countries.

Eid Mubarak!!!

Clear Sky Predicted for Eid ul-Fitr Friday, Oct 12 2007 

According to Abu Dhabi meteorological department and the Met office at Dubai International Airport, clear sky and sunny weather has been predicted during Eid holidays in the UAE. Weather experts have ruled out the possibility of rain, dust storm or high humidity in the coming days. The average maximum and minimum temperature in the UAE would be 36 degree Celsius and 25 degree Celsius respectively. There will be no strong winds either.

With prevailing pleasant weather, beachgoers can hope to enjoy their holidays to the hilt. People who want to go for mountaineering in Al Ain and Fujairah can also look forward to comfortable weather conditions.

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