Dubai May 2, 2004

IATA admits DNRD as advisory member of Simplifying Passenger Travel (SPT) group in recognition of its innovative passport control systems

DNRD is first immigration authority in the region to achieve this status

DUBAI May 2, 2004 International Air Transport Association (IATA), the official airline trade association that controls approximately 280 airlines globally, has made Dubai Naturalisation and Residency Department (DNRD) an advisory member of it’s Simplifying Passenger Travel (SPT) group. SPT is an IATA initiative to bring together key parties involved in the passenger’s journey and its members include frequent passengers, leading airlines, airports, immigration control authorities and technological suppliers.

The DNRD is the first immigration body in the Middle East to be accorded this status by IATA, in recognition of its innovative electronically-operated passport control system, e-Gate, that allows card-operated access to registered passengers. SPT’s aim is to create smooth solutions for passenger movement at airports without compromising on security and safety issues.

Following IATA’s invitation, DNRD made presentations on the e-Gate project at IATA meetings in Vancouver , Canada and Tokyo , Japan . IATA officials were impressed with DNRD’s eGate system, especially its advanced security screening procedures which use fingerprint scanning for identification. This is in line with SPT’s initiative of focussing on facilitating a passenger’s journey, while emphasising the security benefits of processing 'known' passengers automatically, thereby freeing-up resources to concentrate on 'unknown' passengers.

“We are honoured to be the first immigration control body in the Arab World to be a part of SPT. The membership to IATA’s SPT group marks the biggest recognition to our e-Gate project,” said Colonel Saeed bin Belailah, Director of DNRD. “It is a great honour, because IATA is the apex body that looks after aviation policies in so many countries. We are proud to be included in this select group that shares concepts and ideas on how to make airports and air travel safer across the globe. Like SPT, DNRD also aims to improve the passenger travel experience by replacing repetitive checks of passengers and their documents with a new streamlined system that is time- and cost -efficient”.

In its intimation to DNRD, IATA has commended eGate for accelerating passport controls while strongly focusing on security measures through fingerprint scan, by clearing ‘known’ passengers and conserving the resources for screening ‘unknown’ passengers. The net result, according to IATA, is enhanced customer satisfaction, more efficient use of recourses and smaller manpower.

“The IATA honour will motivate us to work harder to apply the eGate concepts more extensively and also extend it to more passengers,” added Colonel bin Belailah. “ Dubai airport is poised for a dramatic growth over the next years and DNRD has to keep updating its processes to handle an increasing number of people. This membership of IATA’s SPT initiative will allow us exposure to other passport control and security clearance systems. Apart from recognition for our eGate system, we have a lot more to gain from this membership to the select SPT group.”

Lieutenant Colonel Khalid Lootah, IT Director, DNRD, said: “The IATA recognition crowns the efforts of the DNRD team to give shape to a revolutionary passport control system. eGate has been hailed by all types of travellers and we are proud of this achievement because eGate has been mainly developed in house by our IT Department, through the use of best of breed technologies. We are one of only three airports in the world to use this system. As an advisory member of the SPT group DNRD will be able to project the UAE as a developed country that is fully geared to leverage technology for easing passengers’ lives and detecting frauds.”

Consumers in the Middle East move towards a wireless age with adoption of multi-functional mobile phones

Mobile phone users in the UAE reach 3 million with 10 % increase in numbers per year

DUBAI May 2, 2004 Consumers in the Middle East are increasingly moving towards a wireless age, say industry experts. With the introduction and increasing adoption of a new breed of multi-functional mobile phones, a growing number of consumers in the region are using their mobile phones as a wireless PC. According to recent research conducted by Info2cell.com there are over 3 million mobile phone users currently in the UAE, indicating 111% per cent penetration of mobile phones use amongst the country’s residents. The numbers are growing at an average rate of 10 per cent each year. Amongst the mobile phone users, there are 250,000 MMS subscribers and more than 2000 subscribers to the recently launched 3G (third generation) mobile service. Info2cell.com research further indicates that there were more than 24 million mobile phone subscribers in the Arab world at the end of 2003. The growth rate for the whole year was 69 per cent.

Bashar Dahabra, Founder and General Manager of Info2cell.com stated, “With the rapid developments in technology and the introduction of mobiles devices with advanced features, the mobile phone has emerged as an ideal vehicle for delivery of information in the Middle East. Mobile phones, handhelds and PDAs (personal digital assistants) are currently designed to perform like wireless PCs. Users can exchange textual and graphic content through SMS (short message service) and MMS (multimedia messaging service), schedule appointments, undertake voice recording, surf the web, send emails, download pictures and play MP3 files.”

“The advent of 3G technology has brought about the progressive migration of the communications industry from voice communication to text and MMS. 3G allows users to video conference with friends, watch live video streams, or surf the Internet, simultaneously, all from one portable multimedia device. Mobile users in the Middle East have converted rapidly to this new trend, owing to the mobility and ease of use mobile phones provide . It is our estimate that m ore than 2 Million text messages are exchanged everyday in the UAE alone. There is also a growing convergence between mobile phone and Internet users,” added Dahabra.

 

The trend of mobile phones and PDAs is projected to increase in the coming years in the Middle East. The market for these devices is multiplying across the world, especially in the Middle East, where the number of mobile phone users marginally exceeds fixed landline subscribers.

 

“The mobile device has evolved from being a mere communication device to becoming a news and information provider, as well as a tool for entertainment. We have realized the need to tap the potential for raising revenues by introducing new methods of relaying information and entertainment over the mobile device. At the same time, consumers are becoming more selective about the type and quality of information received over the Internet and through the mobile phone. We offer our customers the options of selecting the content and frequency of information as and when they need it”, added Dahabra.

Info2cell’s range of Mass Market Content services via MMS can easily be downloaded to mobile terminals or PDAs as they are extremely light, ranging from 15 kb to 100 Kb. Through Acotel’s digital sequence, Info2cell.com can deliver soccer match relays to subscribers on their cell phone or PDAs. All the action taking place on the soccer field is delivered live as it happens in a digital sequence that appears on the mobile’s display. Depending on the mobile terminal, users can view different grades of definition and colour. Info2cell.com also offers dynamic MMS-based services like breaking news, notification of emails, traffic updates, greeting cards, movie updates, banking news, changes in flight schedules, financial stock and sports updates, mshots and cartoons, in English or Arabic, over GPRS networks.

 “These services have been well received by the Middle East market. We have extensive experience in creating wireless content solutions in the region based on successful launch of such services with Fastlink in Jordan , Wataniya in Kuwait and Etisalat in the UAE as well as our extensive experiences in Italy , Ireland , Holland , Belgium and Sweden . As more people are converting to these specialized services, operators will be able to offer extremely cost-effective services to consumers, signifying a new revolution in wireless communication,” added Dahabra.

 Three-day Middle East police event combines exhibition of latest security equipment, live demonstrations, and workshops

Dubai, UAE, May 2, 2004: Some of the most advanced “weapons” now available for use in the global fight against crime will be unveiled during the Middle East Police and Law Enforcement Exhibition (MEPLEX) which gets under way in Dubai tomorrow (Monday, May 3).

Interior Ministries, police departments and law enforcement agencies from across the region are assembling at Dubai Police Academy over the next three days to inspect the latest security equipment and witness live displays of its effectiveness.On display will be some of the most advanced law enforcement technologies and equipment for drugs and explosives detection, counter-surveillance and radio detection, electronic facial identification programmes, handcuffs, thermal observation and protective footwear for specialist operations.

Terms such as biometrics, thermal images, security holograms, and electronic curfew monitoring may sound reminiscent of a Hollywood movie, but to police and law enforcement professionals, they represent the modern day approach to crime which is being put under the microscope by MEPLEX.

Held under the patronage of H.H.General Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, UAE Defence Minister and Head of Dubai Police and Security, MEPLEX is organised by event management and marketing specialists, Streamline Marketing.

Over the next three days, the secured premises of Dubai Police Academy will be the stage for an event assembling more than 100 security industry suppliers from around the world, senior police officers, Interior Ministry officials and law enforcement agencies from across the region.

“This is an event which is of major importance to all participants, and to the overall fight against crime, terrorism and other threats to regional security,” said Nick Webb director of Streamline Marketing. “Measures to safeguard social order against internal and external threats have been given high priority, and are backed by major investment resources in this region, and MEPLEX creates exceptional opportunities for suppliers of equipment and services to the law enforcement sector.”

“It provides an interactive forum allowing regional security agencies and police forces to exchange information with experts on security issues during a conference, view the latest equipment and services in an exhibition, and watch them being demonstrated and then test them during workshops with suppliers.”

Overall, MEPLEX is designed to create a platform for the sharing of mutual concerns over international crime threats, and the demonstration of solutions and technology dedicated to reducing such threats.

In particular, it will provide vital assistance to police and law enforcement agencies in their efforts to find alternative methods to manage situations of civil disturbance, control of crowds and riots, the arrest of violent criminals, and the release of hostages.

Organised by Dubai Police Academy, the conference, “Victims of Crime”, will look at how crime claims victims, analyse the victims’ right to compensation and the legal process involved, examine security measures to prevent crime, and discuss the social and psychological effects of crime and how psychotherapy can help victims.

MIDDLE EAST POLICE CONFERENCE SPOTLIGHTS EFFECTS OF CRIME ON VICTIMS, NEW WAYS TO TACKLE CRIMINALS

DUBAI MEPLEX provides vital and interactive forum for regional security agencies and police forcesDubai, UAE, April 30, 2004:  Senior police officers and Ministry of Interior officials from across the Middle East assemble in Dubai on Monday for a major three-day conference to examine the effects of crime on its victims and highlight the latest security measures to tackle criminals.

Organised by Dubai Police Academy, the conference, “Victims of Crime”, is being held in parallel to the second Middle East Police and Law Enforcement Exhibition (MEPLEX) and features a distinguished gathering of internationally acclaimed speakers as well as senior US police detectives and FBI special agents. Held under the patronage of H.H.General Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, UAE Defence Minister and Head of Dubai Police and Security, MEPLEX is providing a vital and interactive forum for regional security agencies and police forces.

In addition to the Dubai Police Academy conference, the event also features a major exhibition of the most modern security equipment from more than 100 manufacturers and service providers titled MEPLEX, as well as a series of live demonstrations and workshops.

Among the key speakers at the conference will be Dr.Kathleen Latz, who will address “Balanced and restorative Justice in the USA: reinventing the role of the victims”, and Dr Christopher W.Ortiz, whose theme will be “ United States federal intervention into police practices - innovative policy or missed opportunity to assist the victims of police misconduct?” Dr Ivan A.Ortega C., will talk on “Practical therapy for kidnap, while Jeffrey E. Pfeifer will address “Public attitudes and fear of crime victimization: assessing the role of attitude formation theory.” Taking place within the secured premises of Dubai Police Academy, the exhibition will be organized by event management and marketing specialists, Streamline Marketing, and will be officially innaugurated on Monday morning.

The official opening ceremony will include a series of live demonstrations and the opening of MEPLEX followed by the opening ceremony of the conference, which will begin with a speech from Lt.General Dahi Khalfan Tamim, Commander in Chief of Dubai Police.

The other opening speakers will be Brigadier General Dr.Mohammad Ahmad Bin Fahid Dean of Dubai Police Academy, Dr Shareef Basyoni, Diretor of the International Institute for Human Rights, and Dr Mahdi Ali, Middle East & North Africa Regional Representative of United Nations Drugs & Crime Office.The conference will look at the growing problem of international car theft through FBI courses conducted by FBI instructors and special agents Martin Finn and Carmine A.Esposito from the agency’s New York Field Division. 

The various conference sessions will be directed by Professor Dr. AbdulAzeem Wazeer Dumyat, Governor and former Dean of the Faculty of Law at Al Mansoora University, Egypt, Professor Dr.Okasha Abdul Aal, Deputy Chairman of Alexandria University, Professor Dr. Abdul Hameed Al Ansari, former Dean of Law & Shareea College, University of Qatar, Dr. Mohammad Mahmoud Qasim, Head of The Court of Cassation, Dubai, Professor Dr.Abdul Kareem Salama, Deputy Chairman of Helwan University, Egypt, H.E. Major General Saif Al Shafaar, Under Secretary at the  UAE Ministry of Interior, Professor Dr.Saeed Hareb, Deputy Chairman of UAE University, and Brigadier General Dr.Jamal Al Mari Deputy Commander in Chief of Dubai Police.

 

OASIS INTERNATIONAL LEASING REPORTS STRONG FIRST QUARTER AND NEW DIRECTORS

27/04/04

 

Oasis International Leasing, the Abu Dhabi-based big ticket leasing company, has reported strong first quarter results for 2004 today. The company posted a net profit of $2.3m compared with $0.4m in the first quarter of 2003 and $1.2m for the full year 2003. “In 2003 we returned to profitability having successfully managed the effects of the economic and market downturns in 2002 and 2003 and we are pleased to have continued this improvement in the first quarter “ said Gordon Dixon, Oasis Leasing’s Chief Executive. “However this is a long-term business and individual quarters are not necessarily representative of the overall position. In any year there will be peaks and troughs. For instance in this quarter we traded a shipping asset and realised value, an event that we cannot necessarily repeat every quarter in a relatively young company.”

At the company’s Annual General Meeting in Abu Dhabi Chairman Mohammed Saif Al Mazrouei welcomed four new directors to the Board. These are Abdulhamid M Saeed, CEO of First Gulf Bank, Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chief Operating Officer of Mubadala Development Company, Khaled Al Mass, Assistant General Manager of Abu Dhabi Investment Company and Hussain Al Nowais a prominent business leader in Abu Dhabi .

“These experienced people will make a valuable contribution to the business, particularly in the Abu Dhabi market,” said Mazrouei.The news comes in the recent wake of Oasis Leasing’s announcement that it had received institutional backing for its planned Rights Issue and intended to proceed as soon as possible. Commitments were revealed as being US $28 million by the Mubadala Development Company, US $16 million from Abu Dhabi Investment Company and US $10 million by BAE Systems.

Oasis Leasing received all the necessary authorisations and approval to increase the company’s share capital through a rights issue and to increase its ceiling for non-UAE ownership to 49% in 2002.

Speaking in Abu Dhabi after the announcement of the commitments, senior officials at Abu Dhabi Investment Company commented: “We have been closely involved with the creation and development of Oasis Leasing and view this as an exciting milestone, not only for the company but for the Abu Dhabi private sector which we are keen to support. We see this as yet another way in which the two organisations will be working together to develop leasing projects and broaden the Abu Dhabi economy. We hope that similar investments might occur in the future.”

Khaldoon Al Mubarak, COO of Mubadala, the recently formed, Abu Dhabi Government owned, investment and development company said, ”We have always recognised the important contribution that Oasis Leasing has been making to the Abu Dhabi economy and the development of the financial services sector. It has attracted over $ 500m of investment and delivered over $280m of revenue in its 6-year history. We are very pleased to support the growth strategy of the company”

John MacBeath, Managing Director, Industrial and Business Development, BAE Systems, attended the Annual General Meeting, “We were a founding shareholder of Oasis Leasing and this commitment, which we announced in February, underlines our long-standing support of Oasis International Leasing and of the development of the United Arab Emirates ’ financial services sector,” he said. “BAE Systems believes the cyclical nature of leasing means there will be many opportunities for Oasis Leasing to grow and diversify its asset base and to continue to generate attractive shareholder returns.”

Oasis International Leasing Company PJSC was formed in May 1997. Its principal business is to identify, structure, manage and invest in high value leasing transactions. The objective is to deliver sustainable shareholder investment returns. The original Oasis Leasing concept, aimed at promoting the creation of new financial services’ clusters in the UAE economy, was developed by the UAE Offsets Group with British Aerospace as the main investor. Leasing is viewed as an attractive and sustainable economic sector to develop. In addition to establishing a profitable international leasing company, Oasis Leasing also seeks to promote leasing in the UAE and the UAE has been identified as a suitable mechanism for the necessary transfer of financial technology to the Abu Dhabi Investment Company, BAE Systems and the Gulf Investment Corporation, as well as insurance and investment companies. Oasis Leasing’s asset portfolio includes 20 aircraft on long-term lease to major regional and international flag carriers.

International Air Charter focuses on emerging business in intra - GCC travel sector

Air charter company targets Middle East travel trade with participation at ATM

DUBAI April 28, 2004 International Air Charter plc, one of the world’s largest independent aircraft charter brokers, is participating at Arabian Travel Market (ATM), in a strategic move to target the corporate and business travel sectors and further capitalize on the boom in the region’s air charter business. The company has seen a surge in demand in intra-GCC travel and will use its participation at ATM to leverage this message among the Middle East travel industry . ATM will be held at the Dubai World Trade Centre, from May 4 to 7, 2004 .

With a global network of operations, International Air Charter provides total service to its customers by sourcing a variety of aircraft, from executive and VIP jets to corporate airliners for larger groups , from its fleet database of over 45,000 aircraft. The company has offices in major business hubs across the world, including New York , Nice, Frankfurt , Padova ( Italy ) and Dubai .

Building on the significant growth in air charter business in the region, we are participating at ATM to raise awareness of our service and familiarise local companies with the distinctive advantages of charter air travel over commercial flights,” stated Hugh Courtenay, Chief Executive, International Air Charter plc. “Our key focus would be on intra-GCC travel, which we believe is a potential growth market for the air charter business in the region. Business groups wishing to conduct a series of back-to-back meetings in different GCC states can enjoy a real value proposition by chartering an aircraft, instead of being subjected to regular scheduled flights”.

International Air Charter’s participation comes close on the heels of its successful involvement in the Formula One Race in Bahrain earlier this month. Renault, the French automobile company, used its services to fly down 45 VIPs from Dubai on a leisure/business trip to Bahrain .

“With changing perceptions about chartered air travel, we have seen a tremendous growth in business in 2003, and expect between 30 to 40 percent increase in 2004 . It is a very safe and practical way to travel, especially to multiple or remote destinations, a view that is being shared by an increasing number of businesses in the Middle East ,” said Courtenay.

“The dynamic business environment in the Gulf has created a need for air charter services. We feel this is the right time to consolidate our strengths and expand our market. Dubai is certainly the right place to increaseour services, as it has emerged as the hub of business and tourism,” he continued.

Air charter services are most in demand among corporate travellers who need to travel quickly from one location to another. Air charter offers unbeatable flexibility, allowing business travellers to move at there own pace, without the inconvenience of waiting for connecting flights or danger of delays. Additionally International Air Charter can offer their customers privileged services such as VIP Terminals, and even aircraft branding.

Being an independent air charter broker, International Air Charter can source aircraft at short notice from a large number of suppliers. Customers can expect cost-effective solutions because the company is able to source an aircraft closest to the location of the client. Aircraft in the company’s database include Boeing Business Jets, Global Expresses, Falcons, Gulfstreams, Challengers, Cessna Citations and Lear Jets. “A key message we would like to convey at ATM is our ability to offer exceptional value,” said Courtenay. “The travel trade will be surprised at the benefits and privileges chartered air travel offers, which can be translated directly into a business advantage.

International Air Charter plc is a member of several leading aviation associations, including the Baltic Air Charter Association (BACA), National Business Aircraft Association (NBAAA), associate member of Incentive Travel and Meetings Associations (ITMA) and supplier member of Institute of Travel Management (ITM). The company has also achieved internationally recognized ISO 9002 certification for ‘the supply of business and executive aircraft for charter’.

DUBAI HOTELS TO UNVEIL NEW SERVICES AT ATM 2004

Dubai - 27 th April 2004 Dubai hotels are using Arabian Travel Market 2004 (ATM), the largest travel and tourism show in the Middle East to be held in Dubai next month (May), to launch new services.The Ramee Group of Hotels, the Al Bustan Residence – Hotel Apartments and Novotel and Ibis Hotels at the World Trade Centre will all use the show, which runs from May 4-7 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, to announce their latest plans. Ramee Group will launch two new properties it has acquired in the UAE, said General Manager of Sales and Marketing, Animesh Ghatak.

He said: “Business and leisure tourism are poised for huge growth with the Middle East probably the fastest expanding tourist market in the world. “We are looking forward to acquiring more hotels and apartment hotels in the region to take advantage of this.” Moussa El Hayek, General Manager of Al Bustan Residence – Apartment Hotels, said: “We increased sales in the GCC mark et in the summer and winter season and we are expecting continued growth, especially from intra regional travel. We also expect new mark ets to continue to discover the region.” Ignace Bauwens, General Manager Novotel and Ibis said it would be launching an Ibis business economy hotel during ATM.

Matt Thompson, Group Exhibitions Director at Reed Travel Exhibitions (RTE), organisers of ATM said: “We already have 54 hotels groups signed up for ATM 2004 and the feedback we are getting from the industry in the region is that this year will be another very strong one for business and that we will see considerable further expansion over the next few years.” To date, exhibitors from 55 countries have signed on for ATM 2004 which is already bigger in floor space by 25 per cent on last year’s event.ATM 2004 is expected to benefit from the staging just prior to the event of the 4 th Global Travel & Tourism Summit in Doha from May 1 to 3 organized by the World Travel & Tourism Council.

 

LG Electronics extends Lafinion TV and LCD projection screen TV ranges

 New products strengthen LG presence in GCC

Left to right: Mr. Prem Srivastava, Managing Director of Al Yousuf Electronics, Mr. Iqbal Al Yousuf, Vice President of Al Yousuf Electronics, Mr. Kwang Woo Lee, Vice President of the Digital Display and Media Company, LG Electronics Inc, Korea , and Mr. Jae Young Lee, General Manager of the Digital Display and Media Company, LG Electronics Inc, Korea .

 Dubai, April 24, 2004: Global consumer electronics giant and digital leader LG Electronics has strengthened its reputation for stylish and innovative products with today’s launch of two new additions to its Flat TV range, and a new product in its LCD projection TV portfolio. All three products are available from leading retailers in the UAE, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar and Kuwait. The new 21-inch Lafinion and 29-inch Lafinion TVs continue LG’s popular design concept Simple, Slim and Sleek - and their progressive triangular shape ensures easy installation into the corner of any room.

Besides the environmentally friendly battery-free remote control, both sets feature LG’s award-winning XD™ engine chip technology. A byproduct of LG’s ongoing image technology research since 1998, the XD™ engine chip enhances picture quality through a process of digital image signal treatment and is LG’s own global technology brand.

The 21-inch TV’s Turbo Sound feature and Virtual Surround Sound on the 29-inch product also deliver perfect sound quality. The 29-inch Lafinion TV comes with a 2,000-page Teletext function, Digital Index Window, and two-tuner Picture-In-Picture (PIP) mode.Attending today’s launch in Dubai, Mr Kwang Woo Lee, Vice-President of LG Electronics’ Digital Display and Media Company in Korea, said: “The Lafinion range has made its mark worldwide thanks to its attractive appearance and technology that guarantees a vivid, flicker-free picture. “The market in the region for flat screen TVs has grown tremendously in recent years, and the expanded Lafinion range meets local demand for products of the greatest capability and highest quality.”

Mr. Kwang Woo Lee, Vice President of the Digital Display and Media Company, LG Electronics Inc, Korea, with the new 48-inch LCD Wide Projection TV, one of the three new TV products launched by LG Electronics today in Dubai.

Following on from the Middle East launch of its 52-inch and 60-inch Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) projection TVs in January 2004, LG enlarges its Micro Device Panel (MDP) product family to four models with today’s unveiling of the new 48-inch LCD Wide Projection TV. Also using the XD™ chip engine, the product features LG’s High Definition (HD) Format-Up Converter and Digital Progressive Scan, which outputs enhanced individual picture frames and delivers crystal clear picture quality.

“Compared to the previous Rear Projection TV, this new MDP product delivers major improvements in definition and takes LCD projection television to a new level,” continued Lee. “LG’s TV portfolio is now second to none and ambitious marketing campaigns are consolidating our position at the top of the Middle East TV market.”n ideal home-theatre component with a non-glare, wide-view screen, LG’s 48-inch LCD Wide Projection TV comes with Sound Status Memory, Digital Dolby Virtual Sound, Picture-In-Picture (PIP) and Picture-On-Picture (POP) modes, and DVD and XGA (Extra Graphics Array) inputs. The TV also stands out with its distinct design, 3D sound and detachable 12-watt speakers.LG Electronics, Inc. (Korea Stock Exchange: 6657.KS) was established in 1958 as the pioneer in the Korean consumer electronics market.

The company is a major global force in electronics and information and communications products with more than 64,000 employees working in 76 overseas subsidiaries and marketing units around the world. With annual total revenues of more than US$16.9 billion (non-consolidated), LG Electronics comprises three main business companies: Digital Display & Media, Digital Appliance, Telecommunication Equipment & Handset. The LG Digital Display & Media Company provides core technologies for cutting-edge digital products and is a world leader in digital display products including plasma TVs, LCD TVs and monitors, and digital high-definition televisions (HD TVs). The Digital Display & Media Company also provides digitally integrated products such as AV systems, optical storage, set-top boxes and home servers and is focusing on next-generation businesses such as home and mobile networks. LG Electronics’ goal is to enable the intelligent networking of digital products that will make consumers’ lives better than ever. For more information, please visit www.lge.com (keralamonitor.com)

Dubai ranks among top 10 digital cities in e-government privacy and security

The Emirate also ranks high in service delivery in a global survey covering 100 cities

April 25, 2004 Dubai has outranked several digitally advanced cities in the world, including Dublin , Paris and Copenhagen , in terms of privacy and security on its official portal, according to a new global survey that covered 100 major cities.

The survey of the official city websites, conducted by Rutgers University (the State University of New Jersey), ranked Dubai in the 9 th position, along with Auckland, scoring 7.86 out of 20 points, against the average score of 2.85. The survey ranked Dubai 11 th worldwide in the service delivery category, ahead of Dublin , Helsinki and Tokyo , according to Dubai-based Madar Research Group, which has released the findings.

“Outranking highly developed countries is a commendable achievement for Dubai, and reflects the leading edge systems that have been adopted by Dubai eGovernment to ensure the highest levels of security and privacy,” said Salem Al Shair, Director eServices, Dubai eGovernment. “This recognition is an indication that Dubai has laid the right infrastructure for e-governance and can now work towards encouraging wider use of eServices.”

The security and privacy section of the survey examined the availability and quality of privacy policies, and looked at issues related to authentication, encryption, digital signature, data management and use of cookies. According to the findings, only 17 cities showed that they identified the organizations collecting data on their websites and only 14 cities identified the kind of data being collected. Dubai was one of the 12 cities whose privacy policy identified both.

In service delivery, Dubai was ranked 11 th worldwide, with a score of 8.25 (out of 20) against the world average of 4.77. The report also cited Dubai as one of only 10 cities that have websites allowing citizens to pay ‘fees’ online.“Service delivery is one area in which Dubai eGovernment has been making rapid strides, and this was recognized in earlier studies, including the one based on European Union standards last year,” said Al Shair. “While these accolades provide satisfaction to us, the more important job is to strive harder to attain new benchmarks. Dubai is a city that is never content to sit on its laurels. We will continue to achieve better standings in the future in all respects of e-governance.”

The survey which used 92 key indicators to evaluate websites under five core parameters gave weighted scoring of 20 points each, to add up to a total score of 100. Taking all parameters into account, Dubai was ranked 18 th , ahead of Sydney and Jakarta. The top five cities in digital governance were Seoul, Hong Kong, Singapore, New York and Shanghai.Dubai was the only city from the Arab world to make the top 20 list. Other Arab cities figuring in the Top 100 list were Amman , Manama , Riyadh , Cairo and Beirut , according to the Rutgers University survey.

 

Super Jewels unveils “Eternity Heart”, a 35.69 carat heart-shaped yellow diamond

The Eternity Heart is the only one of its kind in world, unique in size, colour, shape and quality

April 2004 Super Jewels, a well-known retailer in diamonds and jewellery with diamond cutting facilities in Antwerp, has launched the “Eternity Heart”, a unique 35.69 carat, heart-shaped yellow diamond, the only one if its kind in the world in terms of shape, size, quality and colour. The Eternity Heart is sourced directly from the Diamond Trading Company of the DeBeers Group, and is GIA (Gemological Institute of America) certified. This is the first time that the diamond has been publicly unveiled.The stunning “Eternity Heart” is being unveiled at Bride 2004, the annual show held at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre, showcasing wedding attire, accessories and fine jewellery for the bride. Eternity, a chain store owned by Super Jewels, is one of the key sponsors of Bride 2004.

Anan Fakhrdein, representative, Super Jewels stated, “The Eternity Heart is the most beautiful heart-shaped diamond in the world, a never-before masterpiece in this size, shape and rare colour. This dark yellow diamond has never been mounted into jewellery, and thus is untainted by conflict. Diamonds represent eternal love, and being a brilliant, heart-shaped 35 carat coloured diamond, the Eternity stone is even more precious.”

“We chose to unveil the diamond at Bride 2004, as the show attracts the right target audience for our unique products. Apart from soon-to-be-brides shopping for the right accessories for their wedding trousseau, the show is also attended by people looking for the perfect gift for a bride on the most significant day of her life,” added Fakhrdein. “The Eternity Heart will be a perfect choice for a man who is looking for the most distinguished and unique way of expressing his love for his bride. The Eternity Heart has been created with care and precision, to ensure that the buyer feels that he has bought a piece of beauty, fit for a princess.”

“We are extremely pleased to sponsor Bride 2004, on the heels of our recent “Eternity – Power of Love” campaign which aimed at positioning the Eternity store as one of the leading luxury jewelers in the UAE,” said Fakhrdein. “The Eternity Collection has gained acceptance as a premium product, enjoying a superior brand image in the minds of elite, quality-conscious customers.”

“Being a Diamond Trading Company (DTC) Sightholder, all our diamonds have been sourced directly from DTC, DeBeers Group. DTC Sightholders are selected from among the world’s best diamantaires for their vision, proven skill in cutting and polishing the stones, and diamond marketing and distribution. Thus customers who buy from us are assured of the quality and authenticity of our stones,” he added.

Super Jewels, originally based in Antwerp , is planning to expand operations in Dubai , following the success of its existing outlet “Moments.” Its other outlets in Dubai are located at Wafi Mall and Gold Souq. The company, a part of the Supergems Group of companies, first opened its offices in Belgium and India 34 years ago. Since then, Super Jewels has earned a name for itself across the world and in the Middle East for its exquisite, authentic diamonds. More recently, the group has diversified into jewellery. (keralamonitor.com)

The British University in Dubai to debut at the 16 th Gulf Education and Training Exhibition

13 Knowledge Village institutes gather under one roof at GETX

April , 2004 The British University in Dubai (BUiD) is set to make its debut at the 16 th Gulf Education and Training Exhibition (GETX) to be held from April 20 to 23, 2004 at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre, where it will seek students for its first academic year beginning in September 2004. The university is the first Post Graduate Research-based British university to open its doors in the UAE.

“The establishment of the Knowledge Village in Dubai opened up the higher education sector to an unprecedented level. Students from the region, who would normally have travelled to countries outside the region for higher education options can now also choose from the ones available at the Knowledge Village . But above all, Knowledge Village represents the birth of a modern, distinctly Arab, educational tradition that combines the best of old Arabic traditions of education with the best modern education available at the global level,” said Anselm Godinho, Managing Director, IC&E.

“British academic tradition in higher education is renowned the world over for its excellence in content and delivery. Its study programmes are highly coveted by ambitious students. In view of the UAE government’s missions to provide excellence in higher education, the input of British Education experts can only be welcomed into the country’s growing education sector. It is therefore, double fortuitous that BUiD should have its campus in the Knowledge Village ,” added Godinho.

“The British University in Dubai aims to make a distinctive British contribution to the higher educational system in the United Arab Emirates through the creation of a high quality research-led university,” said David Loch, Registrar and Acting Chief Executive, BUiD. “The BUiD aims to offer the highest international competitive level of research-informed education in key modern disciplines, such as Information Technology, Engineering and Education. As a research-based University, we will seek to develop leading-edge research capabilities in all key disciplines.”

BUiD's initial Informatics courses will be taught in conjunction with the University of Edinburgh 's 5-star rated Department of Informatics, the largest and one of the best in the UK . The course will offer modules in Knowledge Management; Learning from Data; and Speech and Language Technologies. Besides highly qualified resident faculty, for regular two-way interaction with faculty in the University of Edinburgh the University has installed the video wall, an advanced form of video conferencing with a broader range of viewing perspective, in its lecture halls. Using the video wall students will be able to attend live lectures delivered in the UK , as well as interact freely with the lecturers to create the total class experience. Interaction with the University of Edinburgh 's School of Informatics will also lead to joint research projects.

“BUiD is entirely committed to supporting the aspiration of the Dubai Government to become a hub for education and research in the region. To this end, we will also interact with regional industry and play a role in stimulating a knowledge-based economy in Dubai and the Emirates,” said Loch .

BUiD will be participating as part of a large Knowledge Village Pavilion of 13 institutes at GETX 2004. Besides BUiD, the pavilion will host one leading academic centre each from India and Pakistan .

India ’s excellence in IT education will be showcased at the Knowledge Village Pavilion by the Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS). Based in Knowledge Village , BITS, which is the acknowledged leader of technological education in India , opened its Dubai Campus, the first outside India , in 2004. At GETX, BITS will seek to highlight its proven track record of academic excellence and the success of its Alumni in the corporate and manufacturing sectors at the global level.

Also part of the Knowledge Village Pavilion will be the Dubai Campus of Pakistan’s Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science and Technology (SZABIST). Listed among the top business schools of the world, alongside Wharton, Kellogg, Harvard and MIT, by Asia Week and Business Week, SZABIST will seek to promote awareness of its programmes, started in October 2003, amongst the regional student community. Currently offering 4 programs that include BBA and BS in Computer Sciences at the Bachelors level and MBA and MS in Computer Sciences at the Masters Level, SZABIST will also be launching an EMBA (Executive Program) and a PhD program in the near future. Also in the pipeline are corporate trainings and personal skills enhancing workshops for working professionals. Besides the three universities, Knowledge Village will also host several leading institutes of e-Learning, IT Training, as well as content and technology providers to the education sector