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Information Services Department
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Taryi Ha, (852) 2842 8615
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Terence Leung, (852) 2842 8613

ABU DHABI, (7 December 2009) – Mubadala Development Company (Mubadala) has launched the Football Experience at Abu Dhabi’s Marina Mall – a football activity zone featuring a range of activities to promote wider involvement in football in the lead up to the FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2009.

The Football Experience, which is open free of charge from 4pm to 10pm every day until 20 December 2009, will feature a range of activities and attractions for all ages including:

- The Speed Shot to increase your kicking speed and power
- The Precision Shot to put your aiming skills to the test
- Reaction tests to measure your hand-eye coordination and reflexes
- Football freestylers to demonstrate the latest moves and pass on some of their expertise to children
- UAEFA coaches and players to provide beginners with expert advice to develop and refine their skills

The Football Experience is part of a number of activities Mubadala is sponsoring to ensure the wider community gets involved in the excitement in the lead up to Abu Dhabi’s biggest football event.

In October this year Mubadala announced its sponsorship of the FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2009 and 2010, and the UAE Football Association’s (UAEFA) national teams. In line with Mubadala’s mission to facilitate the growth and development of Abu Dhabi’s community and economy, Mubadala aims to deliver long-term tangible benefits for the sport and the wider UAE community through its involvement in football.

“Mubadala is committed to developing talent at a grass roots level, starting with our nation’s youth,” said Sultan Rashed Al Damarki, Senior Officer at Mubadala, responsible for the football sponsorships. “By working closely with the Local Organising Committee of the FIFA Club World Cup UAE and the UAEFA, we are hoping to inspire greater participation in football – a sport that encourages important qualities such as team work, encouragement and commitment.”

“It’s also about building an active and healthy community, and we are involved on a wider scale to develop the long-term infrastructure to support this aim, such as the world-class football facilities at Zayed Sports City,” he continued.

“Activities like this are a great way to get children excited about a new sport in a fun environment,” said Srečko Katanec, UAEFA National Coach. “Having players and coaches on hand to offer encouragement and support gives children the confidence they need to learn a new skill.”

Last year the Dubai winner Michael Mmoh, won the grand finals in London. Dubai has now begun its attempt to repeat the success in 2009.

The 2009 event took place at the Aviation club on 4th December and will then move on to the grand finals 11th December at the Grand Hyatt – Dubai. The governing body of UK tennis the Lawn Tennis Association hosted the 2008 triangular finals and will be doing so again for 2009-10.

The UK event included a clinic by Elena Dementieva during Wimbledon.
Email grandprix@willtowin.co.uk for details or drop in at the Aviation club tennis office.

This 14 and under event for juniors new to competition is unique to tennis and brings together the tennis communities of London – Dubai and New York and for 2009 Madrid
The winners of the Dubai and New York events – one boy and 1 girl from each were flown to London to participate in grand finals, and each year the London winners win a fantastic prize of a trip to the Barclays Dubai Tennis Championships – and the London winners will be going again February 2010.

Steve Riley – Director of Will to Win commented:
“Tennis is a great game played all over the world, we want to develop community themed tournament to be a worldwide experience for parks and public centre players. We plan to expand to more major venues for 2009-10 and will develop tennis opportunities for a wider cross section of the population than ever before. It is a fantastic opportunity for younger players from different countries to be brought together via sport.”

Colm McLoughlin, Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free said:
“Will to Win is a great initiative that enables youngsters to compete in tennis tournaments and provides them with opportunities to travel. As owners and organizers of a major tournament, the Barclays Dubai Tennis Championships, we are happy to be involved with this project which promotes tennis at grassroots level.”

The UK winners went to Dubai in February 2009 as their prize to take part in the ball kid programme at the Barclays Dubai Tennis Championships 2008 and have coaching with top coaches in a tennis clinic. They also played their first tennis at the tennis centre in Mirdif against UAE players training with the national team with Tennis Emirates.

This is the fourth year of the event, held at the 5 Will to Win public centres in London plus Wimbledon and sponsored by Dubai Duty Free which attracted over 200 participants. The two winners of the 2007 event ‘Ben Cronin’ and ‘Freya Christie’ are pictured below, and were impressed with the development of Dubai tennis and are looking forward to competing again.

The experience has given them an insight as to the requirements of an athlete to get to the top, and develop life skills, confidence and learn about another country and its culture.

The tournament, with the first prize of the trip to Dubai (UK winners) and a trip to London (Dubai, Madrid and New York winner’s) is aimed at youngsters who play at schools, parks and public centres. It provides an opportunity for young people from all backgrounds to participate in an exciting tennis event.

The Lawn Tennis Association in London is fully supportive of the tournament that provides competitive opportunities for community tennis players, the use of community and park sites, which is vital for the growth of tennis and competition for juniors.

At the Barclays Dubai Tennis championships in Dubai, over 150 kids are trained annually- pictured above taking part in the kid’s day- where over 1000 local school children can experience tennis.

The WTW / DDF Grand Prix prize of a trip to Dubai is part of a long term programme where the kids will attend a tennis camp for a week and join in with 150 other local ball kids participate at the ATP or WTA Dubai tournaments.

Email grandprix@willtowin.co.uk for more information on the venues, dates and how to enter for 2009 or call +447957110403.

Will to Win Tennis continues to strive to break down the perceived barriers to tennis participation for all juniors and continues to play a key role in providing ‘tennis opportunities for all’ in all the venues. Prince Sports, the LTA are all supporting the event.

The event is sanctioned by Tennis Emirates- all players requiring membership to participate.

MenaITech Co-Founder and CEO Dr. Bashar Hawamdeh said, “In support of national initiatives, we are glad to have JFA on our reference list as we strive to cater for multiple sectors across the Arab region. To know that our software will facilitate salary calculation and personnel issues for Jordan’s top of the line football players is an achievement and pride for our organization.”

JFA Secretary General Mr. Khalil Al Salem said, “MenaITech presented us with the best functionality amongst the HRMS vendors in the market due to its user-friendly, web-based and comprehensive features. We took such an initiative to invest in an HR system in order to achieve optimum internal functionality, on which HR processes as the core of the organization will be reflected on the association as a whole.”

It should be noted that MenaITech, a leading HRMS vendor in the region, has deployed its system in a number of governmental and non-governmental entities in Jordan such as King Hussein Foundation, Tkiyet Um Ali, Jordan River Foundation, Save the Children, Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature, Tamweelcom, Jordan Investment Board, King Abdulla Design & Development Bureau, Ministry of Planning & International Cooperation and the Jordan Customs Department.

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World Challenge provides educational expeditions in the developing world, which teach life skills and expands student minds outside of the classroom. Both GEMS Education and World Challenge are excited about the opportunities this partnership will present to GEMS students.

Martin Clark, Senior Director – GEMS Education Ventures said, “GEMS schools embrace a philosophy of preparing students for the world and the challenges of the future. The GEMS Education approach to learning focuses not only on academic excellence but also in enabling students to develop character and creativity so that they achieve their full potential as human beings. This education venture with World Challenge gives our students the opportunities to take part in hands-on activities that challenge them to seek solutions, make informed decisions, demonstrate tenacity, and to express themselves confidently.”

Claire Ellaway, Regional Director, World Challenge explains, “With 22 years of experience, World Challenge offers an unrivalled range of expeditions geared to the education of young people. We provide a level of safety and service second to none. We are proud of this partnership with GEMS Education and are looking forward to seeing the development and success of all future GEMS students who take part in these exciting award opportunities. ”

Adventure Quest

In order to celebrate the beginning of the partnership, over 170 GEMS students from Cambridge International School and Al Khaleej National School are participating in an Adventure Quest. The quest has students taking part in team building activities which emphasize team work, allows them to enhance leadership skills, problem solving skills, communication skills and develop self-confidence in challenging situations.

The Adventure Quest activity is a part of the GEMS Leadership Challenge Awards created especially for GEMS students. Once completed, the quest allows students to receive the GEMS Ruby award, which is the first tier in this progressive award programme. GEMS students will work their way from the GEMS Ruby Award to the GEMS Emerald Award and finally to the GEMS Diamond award, which is recognized by Universities.

The Leadership Challenge Award is linked directly to the GEMS core values of World Citizenship, Universal Values, Leadership and Forward Thinking. In order to ensure all GEMS students have access to these life changing opportunities the programme has been designed with a variety of options.
The GEMS Leadership Challenge Award consists of –

GEMS Ruby Award
A student can earn the GEMS’ Ruby Certificate by completing three ½ day ‘Adventure Quest’ sessions, based at two sites in Dubai. The activities include; ‘Giants Ladder’, ‘Leap of Trust’, climbing wall and ground based practical leadership and team tasks to encourage the development of team work, leadership and communication skills as well as caring for others and problem solving.

GEMS Emerald Award
The GEMS’ Emerald Award is achieved after completing a one or two week expedition to Asia, Africa or Europe. Students will explore new cultures and environments, learn how to communicate more effectively and bond as a team, take manageable risks, overcome fears and make their own decisions – all essential lesson for the future. Students can also gain a Certificate of Personal Effectiveness (CoPE) Level 3 (equivalent to a GCSE grade B) if a portfolio of evidence is provided.

GEMS Diamond Award
The Diamond Award can be gained by completing an expedition similar to the Emerald Award but for three or four weeks. This Award has a more in-depth community/service element which fits in well with International DofE Award and for the CAS element of the IB diploma. An ASDAN Certificate of Personal Effectiveness (CoPE) Level 2 (equivalent to 70 UCAS points) can also be gained if students provide a portfolio of evidence. Students automatically gain the ASDAN University Award.

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As the inaugural race organizers for the Itihad Aviation major Prize in Abu Dhabi 2009 said that all event tickets were sold out and more than 50 000 spectators will be present on race day starting 30 October-November 1, as many satellite channels, including Abu Dhabi sports channel 2 will carry the race live.

Mr. Zayed Al-Baddad the Chairman and CEO of AL-Baddad International a subsidiary of Al-Baddad Global group of companies said:
we are proud to complete and handover 36000 square meters on time, and without any delay, and at the highest level that fits this global event, as the experience we have gained over the years provides us the inspiration for working and looking to the future, and deal with responsibilities with confidence.
Mr. Zayed also added that the arena of Marsa Yas is one of the most beautiful and most sophisticated facilities for race cars in the world, and the Hallmark podium has comfortable seats in the covered terrace, a feature the world has not seen before, and Marsa Yas hotel which is offering guests the experience of the race cars passing through, which is considered to be unique at all scales.

Fabien Speiss, a 15-year-old goalkeeper who attends Emirates International School, trialled at Everton while nine-year-old Bobby Corish from Jebel Ali Primary School had his week-long trial extended to a month at Manchester United. Fabien also underwent training at Middle Eastern-owned Notts County.

Both boys impressed on trial and Corish is currently waiting for his next opportunity to return to the Man United youth set up during the next school holiday. Speiss on the other hand, may accept a professional contract and negotiations have been initiated by a number of English clubs.

Putting the boys’ achievements into context, John Mamea-Wilson, TESA Director, commented:

”Football is now a truly global game and the English Premiership is the best league in the world. Literally hundreds of thousands of young hopefuls from every continent will never realise their dreams and rub shoulders with their idols. So this is an exceptional achievement for Fabian and Bobby and speaks volumes for the academy.”

Indeed, Mamea-Wilson attributed the overall success of TESA to resident football coaches Carlton Palmer and his assistant Kirk Hilton, who have quickly struck up a formidable partnership.

“Carlton’s record in football speaks for itself as a former England player, long-time Premiership player and manager, while Kirk went right through Manchester United from a young age and ended his playing days at Belgian club Royal Antwerp,” he said.

The pair have been able to draw on their years of combined experience and extensive contacts. Fabien’s chance to shine at Everton was provided through TESA co-founder and ‘Toffees’ player Tim Cahill.

“Because of their pedigree, Carlton and Kirk are constantly being approached by scouts looking for untapped talent,” added Mamea-Wilson. “We’ve hosted former Norwich player and TV commentator Effon Ekoku and former England player Les Ferdinand, who is now representing Tottenham Hotspur.”

Mamea-Wilson was careful not to put too much pressure on the promising pair, but admitted, “Fabien and Bobby now have a reputation to live up to but the academy will keep their feet on the ground. Not only developing but managing talent are key attributes of the academy – we take our responsibilities seriously,” he said.

However, he stressed that, despite the Elite name and image, the academy takes children of all abilities and everyone benefits from the same quality of coaching.

“As long as the kids come here with the right attitude and are prepared to work hard, they will see obvious improvements both on the pitch and off it,” he said. “We have had many parents comment on how the academy has improved their child’s development not only on the pitch, but in the classroom and at home.”

The academy, in which Transguard Group is the majority stakeholder, is set in 1.3 million square feet on the Repton campus in Nad Al Sheba with state-of-the-art facilities.

For more details about Transguard Elite Sporting Academy, please visit
www.elitesportingacademy.com

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MasterCard, official sponsor of the UEFA Champions League, in association with Standard Chartered, is offering each of the four children the `priceless’ experience of being part of the march-in entourage for one among several selected matches at the UEFA Champions League 2009/2010.

The “Little Champions” from the UAE will join 41 others from Singapore, Hong Kong, Korea, Malaysia, and Indonesia—all aged between seven and nine—to be the first in Asia and the Middle East to escort world-class football players at the UEFA Champions League matches.

To participate in the campaign, Standard Chartered MasterCard credit card holders need to register at www.standardchartered.ae/littlechampions from 1 to 31 October 2009, inclusive, and charge a minimum of AED 3000 in the same month to any Standard Chartered MasterCard credit card. For all cardholders who have spent more than AED 3000 in October, the top four with the highest number of transactions within the campaign period will win this once-in-a–lifetime opportunity.

The campaign will be held in two phases to select four children in total from the UAE. This kicks off with two children who will win a trip to Italy to participate as “Little Champions” at the group stage match between AC Milan and Marseilles which will be held on 25 November 2009. Airfares will be courtesy of Standard Chartered Bank, and hotel stay and the UEFA Champions League tickets for both the child and accompanying adult will be courtesy of MasterCard.

Subsequently, two children from the UAE will be selected for the knockout round that will be held in March 2010.

Chris de Bruin Head of Consumer Banking UAE, Standard Chartered Bank, said:
“The UEFA Champions League is an unmatched sporting event that is watched and celebrated by billions across the world. We are delighted to work with MasterCard to help our customers and their loved ones to realise their dreams and aspirations in life and provide them the unique opportunity to be at the heart of the match, witnessed and cheered by billions around the world.”

Eyad Al-Kourdi, vice president and country manager, Southern Gulf countries – Oman, Qatar and UAE, MasterCard Worldwide, said:
“The UEFA Champions League is one of the most prestigious club trophies in European football, and is followed by both young and old soccer fans in the region. This joint program with Standard Chartered demonstrates our shared commitment to providing our cardholders with priceless experiences. Soccer is a great sport that teaches the young about team-work and sportsmanship. As a proud supporter of soccer and sponsor of the UEFA Champions League, we look forward to offering these children an unforgettable experience.”
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Underscoring Emaar’s development approach of creating integrated lifestyle communities, The Dubai Mall Medical Centre is a value addition to Downtown Burj Dubai, the 500-acre mega-project developed by Emaar Properties. Emaar Healthcare Group will also open two clinics in Arabian Ranches and The Meadows, further establishing the lifestyle appeal of Emaar’s communities in Dubai.

Newly opened in the second floor of The Dubai Mall, the healthcare facility is the largest outpatient facility in the region and leverages the medical expertise of US-based Methodist International, to offer the entire spectrum of specialities.

Mr. Omar Al Shunnar, Chief Executive Officer, Emaar Healthcare Group, said the response to The Dubai Mall Medical Centre has been positive and encouraging – both from patients and the medical fraternity in the region.

He said: “Every aspect of the medical centre has been carefully planned – from receiving patients to offering them personalised consultancy and follow-up. The Diagnostic Imaging Centre is the most advanced of its kind and leverages the latest in imaging technology. The consulting suites are designed to relax the patients and are supported by a paperless patient administration through electronic records for ease of access and future referencing.”

In addition to its emphasis on evidence-based medicine and commitment to international best practices, The Dubai Mall Medical Centre offers superior hospitality standards with exceptional customer service and a patient oriented experience.

The Dubai Mall Medical Centre’s Diagnostic Imaging department features the latest technology in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI); Computed Tomography (CT); Conventional radiology (X-ray); Ultrasound; Bone densitometry; Mammography; and Fluoroscopy. Constantly monitored for international quality assurance programmes, the medical centre’s Laboratory will play a pivotal role in providing world-class patient care. Services on site include: Biochemistry, Haematology, Microbiology, Immunology and Serology.

Emaar Healthcare Group is mandated with creating healthcare centres in Emaar’s communities. “We have ambitious plans to take this successful model of healthcare developments in integrated communities to Emaar’s projects in other key global markets,” added Mr Al Shunnar.

The tournament is organized by Intevents LLC and will follow a format similar to that of its sister event, the Sinbad Classic, which has been held in Oman for the past five years and is now a fixture on the international sport fishing calendar.

“Fujairah has become one of the region’s top destinations for all kinds of fishing and boasts world-class facilities for the sport. Our involvement with the Fujairah Classic will strengthen Fujairah’s position in the international community while also promote the natural beauty of the East Coast,” said Patrick Antaki, General Manager, Le Méridien Al Aqah Beach Resort.

Sport Fishing is one of the fastest growing sports in the world and has massive popularity in major countries like the United States. Le Méridien Al Aqah has played an active role in promoting sport fishing in the east coast and has teamed up with Fujairah Marina over the past four years to offer guests and visitors access to fishing trips and instructors, as well as the latest in sporting equipment.

The three-day event will be an International Game Fish Association (IGFA) Offshore World Championships 2010 qualifying event and will be co-hosted by Fujairah International Marine Club.

“The Fujairah Classic will be the biggest tournament of its kind within the United Arab Emirates,” said Bruce Fennessy, Fujairah Classic Tournament Director and organizer, Senior Manager Sport and Corporate Events, Intevents LLC.

“The prestige of winning a tournament like this, and then being invited to represent the tournament and the region at the IGFA Offshore World Championships in Cabo San Lucas in Mexico in 2010, is something that every angler will be chasing!” said Fennessy.

“The tournament has been almost two years in the making and we are hoping for a large turn out from anglers all across the Emirates and the Gulf, as it is important to highlight just how beneficial this sport can be to both tourism and youth development in sport. We even have a team who are flying in from Finland to fish the event!”

As with the Sinbad Classic, the focus will be on sustainability across three key areas: Tourism Development, Environmental Awareness and Youth Development in Sport.

“By placing this focus on our tournament we hope to help grow these three areas. Fujairah is blessed with a wonderful coastline that can be explored and enjoyed but attention needs to be placed on ensuring that this is available to the generations of the future,” said Fennessy.

Teams are invited to register on the tournament website: www.fujairahclassic.com or http://lemeridien.com/fujairah.The website includes a full set of rules and regulations, useful information about requirements for international teams, the Emirate of Fujairah, how to sponsor the event, the venues, and details for anglers and spectators.