The Amman based company stated “supporting the artist Bilal Aboud was motivated by our faith in his unique voice tenor and the artistic potentials he enjoys. On top of that, his ability to shift between intonations grants him the mean to sing in various keys”.

Commenting, MenaITech CEO, Dr. Bashar Hawamdeh said: “MenaITech’s management is devoted to supporting, and assisting, creative and amateur professionals in building their path, whether they are programmers, sportsmen, or singers.”

Dr Hawamdeh added: “after listening to Bilal’s voice in the first stage of the competition, and the styles he sang, we realized his hidden potentials and unique singing talent. Subsequently, we decided to stand by his side in the next phases of the competition.”

He pointed out that this “first of a kind” experience is aimed at preparing suitable environment for the Jordanian crude talents to reach their proper stage. To MenaITech, it is considered a part of what they owe to the local community.

For his part, artist Bilal Aboud expressed his satisfaction with MenaITech’s support with “I appreciate that the company, and its employees, are standing by me. It is what I need the most in the next stage, especially since the competition for the first place is fierce.”

It is worth mentioning that Bilal Aboud practiced art as a profession since an early stage in his life, during which he gradually advanced in several oriental singing schools. He’s also participated in several local and regional singing festivals, the latest of which was in Syria and UAE.

It should be noted that Sawt Al Ordon competition’s, which is considered the first Jordanian aired live to help amateurs reach professionalism, objective is to shed light and uncover Jordanian hidden talents to help them reach the stage they deserve.

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For Editors:
Founded in 2003 by a group of talented and experienced HR and IT professionals, MenaITech aims to provide HR solutions that maximize the return on the human capital investment for all MenaITech customers by providing accurate and reliable management information, improving access to information, and reducing costs of operating the HR solution. MenaITech products include the human resources information management system MenaHR®, payroll & personnel solution MenaPay®, the employee & manager self service solution MenaME®, the employee 360 degree feedback evaluation software Mena360®, the comprehensive HR consolidation and analysis module MenaExplorer®, in addition to the revolutionary cell phone notification service MenaSMS®.
For more information, please call
PR Launchers
Tel: 0096265691861 – Fax: 0096265691863
Email: info@PRLaunchers.com – http://www.PRLaunchers.com

However, in the occasion of SEC Group’s sponsorship of the event, Mr. Musaab Al Ameri, General Manager of SEC Group, expressed the pleasure of SEC Group for sponsoring this event, which is within SEC’s commitment towards serving the UAE society via developing the national cadres in human resources as per the vision of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nhayan, President of the UAE, portrayed in His Highness’s Message to the Nation regarding the importance of human capital for the growth, progress and prosperity of the UAE.

Mr. Al Ameri noted that organizing the “2nd People Challenge Middle East 2009” is due to the overwhelming success on the signature event of the “1st People Challenge Middle East 2008” on driving employee engagement and employer branding.

Al Ameri said that this event brings together senior-top level HR and business leaders across industries ranging from transportation, healthcare, education, tourism, financial services, and others amongst the key planks of the region’s economy going forward post-crisis.

Al Ameri added that the conference, which will continue till the 9th of December 2009, is featuring key topics on women in leadership, diversity in the workplace, the challenges of attracting into leadership role within the Middle East, innovation in HR, who is best to anticipate manpower planning for the organization, pay and benefit challenges in time of recession and recovery, strategic hiring long term vs. short term (impact on organization), bridge the missing link between knowledge management and HR in turbulent times, manage the generation mix and bridging the gap, key driver of motivation/retention, better HR orientation leading to excellence and creativity, motivation and performance management.

SEC Group is one of fastest growing recruitment agencies located in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Since its establishment, SEC gained more than 70 loyal companies located all over the UAE for all job categories in the UAE job market (labor to skilled experienced managers), for different industries (construction, security, IT, education, finance, electrical, electronic, etc.), and from different nationalities from all over the world.

SEC proudly supplies its clients with all their staffing needs according to the criteria demanded by the client himself; this process is successfully achieved by interviewing candidates.

What differentiates SEC is that it provides fully trained and well experienced candidates with the required qualifications and skills for any national or multi-national company.

SEC filters requirements, interviews candidates and prepares them to be ready for just signing employment contracts with the company; that’s why it developed highly effective diagnostic system that will meet requirements in no time.

Because SEC clients are so special, it enforces the working environment spirit during any interview to know whether the candidate is suitable or not for the company.

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For further information, please contact:
Khaled Finge
Business Development Manager
Tel: +971 50 8231646
Fax: +971 2 4464632
khaledf@secuae.com

Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, 7th December, 2009: Bawadi Mall’s ongoing “Celebrate with Flowers” festival has attracted 450,000 visitors from Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, other Emirates and neighborhood countries like Oman after two weeks of its commencement on the 20th of November.
The 140,000 square metre Bawadi Mall, which has been positioned as Al Ain’s ultimate shopping, dining and leisure destination, has hosted an international Egyptian Circus from the 27th of November until the 4th of December, 2009 covering Eid Adha and The UAE National Day. This programme targeted both adults and children.
The mall distributed flowers on the first and second day of Eid Adha to lady visitors. Also, elaborate flower decorations have been put up all over the mall, starting from Adha until the National Day, and continuing until the New Year’s Eve.
Khalid Shraim, Marketing Manager, Bawadi Mall, said: “A mall is not merely a shopping center but it has to offer a leisurely environment for its segment of visitors. This is exactly what we are doing at Bawadi Mall. We firmly believe that these events will have a positive impact on all economic sectors in Al Ain. This is what we felt after observing the first days of the festival”.
The festival has lined up a range of offers specifically tailored to the needs of mall visitors and their families. This festival comes at a time the mall crossed the 4.5 million visitor mark at the end of November, 2009.
Stores at the mall are offering great offers from the 20th of November until the 31st of December. The festival is timely as Al Ain has moderate weather at this time of the year.
The 10,000 sq. m. “Family Entertainment Center” features a varied mix of fun, ranging from the “Roller Coaster” to the “Fun Ski Village”, amongst many other attractions. Eight movie theatres including Grand Class Hall, a bowling alley, a distinctively rich food-court and several casual dining alternatives offering delicious varieties of cuisines makes a visit to Bawadi Mall a worthwhile and exciting experience.
Bawadi Mall has been opened at a time where Al Ain city is expanding dramatically. Bawadi Mall provides an ideal shopping experience for people of the UAE and beyond.
New brands have made their debut in Al Ain city through Bawadi Mall, such as Zara, Mango, MAX , Marks & Spencer, Kotton, New look, H&M and ACE Hardware, amongst others. The mall has attracted more than 380 retail outlets, including international names.
Bawadi Mall houses a mix of international as well as regional retail brands of fashion, food, jewellery and much more, all in a bright, spacious and inviting environment, distinguished by a wide curved vaulted skylight that soars above the main corridor and its three main spacious courts.

The event, which started on Monday, November 16, was organized by Creative Commons, Endeavor Jordan, the Young Entrepreneurs Association, and the Queen Rania Center for Entrepreneurship (QRCE).

The activities focused on intellectual aspects and entrepreneurship experiences with a view to enrich Jordan’s experience and boost its leadership in the field at the regional level.

Among participants were top executives in leading international companies based in Silicon Valley.

Key-note speakers at the opening ceremony included Reid Hoffman, the founder and CEO of LinkedIn and Joi Ito, a world activist, entrepreneur, venture capitalist, a top executive at Creative Commons and a Twitter adviser. The two entrepreneurs shared their stories of success with their audience, focusing on the importance of protecting intellectual property rights.

Other speakers were Mitchell Baker, Chairwoman of Mozilla Foundation, launcher of the Firefox web-browser; and Sami Shalabi, founder of Zingku, which was later acquired by Google, a deal that secured the founder a post as a technical adviser at the buyer. Also taking the podium was Habib Haddad, a co-founder of Yamli.

From Jordan, speakers included CEOs, leading businessmen, business leaders, investors and innovators involved in entrepreneurship in the Kingdom and the region.

Organizers sought to spotlight Jordan’s nascent culture of entrepreneurship, highlight individual success stories and draw up an action plan to place Jordan as a regional hub in the field.

Field activities were on the agenda, such as a special session that took place on the event’s third day and led by Mary Smith Diab, who trained around 185 participants on the techniques of speed networking.

The following two days were dedicated to “Afkar, yes we can!” a series of interactive creative thinking sessions conducted by DART, a student entrepreneurship community based in Princess Sumaya University for Technology. The DART team visited 10 schools in Amman, Irbid, Ma’an and Zarqa with the aim of stimulating students to take on entrepreneurship in their future life.

A special session was held on Saturday involving 50 participants that focused on the achievements made by women entrepreneurs. Success stories were shared in this session, which highlighted the role women play in achieving socio-economic development.

On the final day, another educational opportunity was provided to 30 trainees through “Entrepreneurship 101”, offered by UC Berkeley trainer Dr Wissam Rabadi, with the aim of helping students, academicians and other concerned individuals develop their businesses.

On the sidelines of the Global Entrepreneurship Week, Tijaritna, an entrepreneurs’ marketplace featuring handmade and home-baked products and treats, was organized all day at City Mall on Sunday, November 22nd.

Organizers voiced appreciation for the sponsors of the week, including ARAMEXm Société Générale Bank and Friedrich Naumann, in addition to other supporters: USAID, King Abdullah Center for Support and Development, Zain, Orange, IV Holding, Royal Jordanian (official carrier), Rotana Radio, Energy FM and OC and Venture magazines.
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Employees and customers of Dubai Chamber of Commerce put their thumbprints on Al Mutahida postcards which were sent to His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan President of the UAE, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President & Prime Minister of the UAE and Their Highnesses, members of the Supreme Council Rulers of the UAE demonstrating their commitment to their vision for the future of the UAE.

The card, which emphasize the word Mutahida (united) in the name of the United Arab Emirates, was part of a nationwide campaign to further strengthen the message of the UAE unity: A shared vision.

Watani representative shared with the employees symbols of the UAE’s federation including copies of constitution, the UAE flag, national anthem and photos of the first time the flag was raised at Union House.

“These tokens are a reminder of the guiding principles and values that led to the creation of the UAE,” said Director General of Watani Ahmed Al Mansoori.

visitors to the Dubai Chamber also joined in stamping the postcards which created a platform allowing all members of the UAE community to greet the UAE leaders and demonstrate their belief and commitment to the nation’s future, a gesture that embodies good citizenship, according to Mr. Al Mansoori

Hamad Mubarak Bouamin, Director General, Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry, praised the loyalty and commitment of its employees to the nation.

“Al Mutahida campaign allows members of the UAE community to express the appreciation and renew commitment to our leadership in leading the nation to prosperity and development. The postcard is a clear message of love and gratitude from the people in the UAE to the efforts of our leaders in providing an ideal lifestyle and empowering the economic and social development drive”.

Al Mansoori added: ”Al Mutahida campaign echoes the assertion of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum that the UAE is an inseperable entity. The drive also echoes the reelection of Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, by the Supreme Council, as President of the UAE.”

Al Mutahida campaign is organized in association with Emirates Post. The campaign also features an art competition and exhibition in coordination with the Emirates Association for Fine Arts and Tashkeel Gallery. The competition will engage young and talented artists in the UAE to present their personal artistic interpretation of the word “Mutahida” reflecting its true significance and the underlying principles and values of the UAE union. A judging panel will select the submissions to be exhibited alongside the works of renowned artists at the Al Mutahida art exhibition to be held at The Dubai Mall from Nov. 26 to May 5, 2010.

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The five-day event, organized under the Patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and hosted by the Dubai Institute of Technology – TechnoPark, the science and technology facilitator of Economic Zones World, will take place in the period at Atlantis, The Palm.

The Organizing Committee reviewed the final arrangements being made by different local and international bodies for the conference and exhibition, which will attract more than 1,800 delegates from around the world.

The IDA World Congress 2009 will feature 26 technical sessions, 240 presentations, lectures, round table discussions, interactive sessions, workshops and concurrent exhibition.

Members of the committee voiced their satisfaction over the progress being made by the various sub-committees responsible for the logistical and other arrangements.

Ibrahim Al Janahi, Chief Commercial Officer, Economic Zones World, and Member of the IDA Organizing Committee, said:
“We are pleased with the progress made so far and the countdown for the opening of IDA Congress 2009 is proceeding as planned. The level of cooperation among the various agencies involved is very high and we are extremely encouraged by the selfless of those involved in the preparations. This international gathering on water desalination is one of the most important events to be held in Dubai and, as hosts, we are determined to make it a grand success.”

Under the theme “Desalination for a Better World”, the IDA Congress 2009 will address environmental and energy impacts of desalination on the global stage by exploring the challenges, trends and advances in the industry, as a reflection of the aim of both IDA and the industry to make desalination and water reuse sustainable and affordable.

Hamad Al Hashemi, Managing Director, Dubai Institute of Technology – TechnoPark, said:
“The IDA World Congress 2009 will see hundreds of international dignitaries and renowned scientists converge in Dubai to tackle one of the biggest challenges faced by our collective quest for a sustainable future. The debates and discussions will be of immense value and help to the UAE and other countries of this region, the world’s leading users of desalination technology for common good.”

As hosts, Dubai Institute of Technology – TechnoPark hope the IDA World Congress 2009 will generate greater regional and global awareness about the need to step up research and development in the water desalination field and water re-use issues.

The conference inaugural ceremony will be attended by a large number of ministers, experts, scientists, decision-makers, manufacturers and end-users.

The exhibition on desalination and water re-use will cover an area of 2,000 sq. m. area, with some 70 companies from 21 Countries showcasing the latest equipment and technologies.

The global water crisis is as critical as the challenges thrown up by climate change. The UAE is the world second largest producer of desalinated water with a capacity of producing 8.4 million cu. m. of desalinated water per day. About 95 per cent of water used for local consumption flows from this source.

Though the Middle East has five per cent of the world population, it has only one per cent of the earth’s renewable water resources.

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Offering the most definitive platform for the very best young talent on the UAE theatre scene, the Festival, this year, will feature the participation of local theatre groups to produce plays, all of them written, directed and produced by young UAE nationals and residents.

The Dubai Culture & Arts Authority has joined hands with Dubai Media Incorporate (DMI) as an exclusive media partner for the festival dedicated to theatre. As part of a long-term programme aimed at encouraging UAE Nationals to pursue theatre and acting, DMI will introduce an award for the best actors, and offer the winners opportunities to work in television, thus opening new growth avenues for the artists by raising their career profile and providing far-reaching media exposure.

This first and only of its kind initiative for the youth in the Emirate, Dubai Festival for Youth Theatre is open to all theatre groups in the UAE. The festival brings together actors, directors, writers and the entire crew of technicians including make-up artists, stage designers, audio-visual specialists, lighting and trussing artists and costume stylists. Part of the festival programme is a series of workshops, led by theatre veterans, on various aspects of producing a play.

Mr. Omar Ghabash, Board Member of the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority and Chairman of the Dubai Festival of Youth Theatre, said that theatre has a defined place in the Gulf’s cultural heritage. “As one of the most powerful artistic expressions, theatre retains its appeal because of its intimacy and visceral quality. Everything happens in real time, making a special emotional connection with the audience.”

He said: “The Dubai Culture & Arts Authority is committed to promoting talented artists in the UAE – especially among the youth – and the Dubai Festival for Youth Theatre is a wonderful platform for them to express their creativity. It will set the stage for young talented theatre enthusiasts to take up professional careers.”

The plays on show at the festival will be evaluated by a jury of local dignitaries as well as another committee including representatives from DMI, which will be specifically involved in selecting actors for potential acting careers in television.

Faisal Abdalla, CEO Corporate and Support in Dubai Media Incorporated said: “Dubai has many gifted theatre enthusiasts, many of them working independently and performing to small audiences. This festival brings these talented individuals together and celebrates their potential.”

“Our partnership with the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority will further encourage youngsters in theatre, and provide them the opportunity to showcase their talent to a wider audience through careers in broadcasting. Our special committee will evaluate the artists and hope to offer the best UAE National male and female actors a role on television,” Abdalla added.

Previously held during summer, the Festival will now take place each year in November to drive more audience to attend the shows. “The new dates will be a permanent fixture in the calendar of activities of the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, and gives theatre groups more time to prepare in addition to strengthening audience participation,” explained Ghabash.
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Saudi Arabia has emerged as the most attractive investment destination in the Middle East’s petrochemical, printing, packaging and plastic industries, revealed Riyadh Exhibitions Company (REC), organiser of “Saudi PPPP 2009″, in a press conference held today (Sunday, October 11, 2009) at the Four Seasons Hotel in Riyadh. REC also disclosed that more than 500 companies will represent 24 countries in the upcoming mega trade event to tap into the Kingdom’s robust business opportunities.

Speaking at the press conference, Fadi Kaddoura, Vice President – Sales and Marketing, REC, said, “Saudi PPPP 2009 will offer a unique platform for companies to identify and pursue gainful business and investment opportunities that have been unlocked by the Saudi Government’s proactive efforts in developing its petrochemicals industry. Moreover, Saudi PPPP features a unique combination of four major trade exhibitions, allowing trade visitors and exhibitors to optimise their business potential, and creating exciting possibilities to synergise and build strategic partnerships.”

Commercial counsellors of several National Pavilions that will be put up at Saudi PPPP 2009 joined REC at the press conference in discussing the role of Saudi Arabia in promoting the industry’s growth in the region. REC underscored the fact that Saudi Arabia’s groundbreaking petrochemicals projects, estimated to be worth SAR 172.5 billion, will dramatically increase Saudi Arabia’s production capacity and further consolidate the country’s position as a leading producer and supplier in the regional and global petrochemicals industry. This has been further reinforced with the country scoring a chart-topping 74.3 points in the Middle Eastern Petrochemicals Business Environment Rankings matrix.

On the other hand, recent reports have revealed that the Saudi printing industry continues to grow by 15 percent annually as printing expenditure in Saudi Arabia has been at an all-time high. At 40 kilograms a head, Saudi Arabia’s consumption of plastics rates twice as much as any other GCC country, even as the country’s packaging sector accounts for up to 70 per cent of the GCC packaging market, valued at USD 2 billion.

Saudi PPPP 2009 will be held from Shawwal 29 to Zul Al-Qi’dah 2, 1430 / October 18 to 21, 2009, at the newly built Riyadh International Exhibition Centre, one of the region’s most advanced exhibition facilities. The leading business-to-business event comprises Saudi Petrochem 2009 – The 4th International Exhibition for Chemicals and Chemical Technology Industry; Saudi Plas 2009 – The 9th International Plastics Technology Show; Saudi Pack 2009 – The 9th International Packing Machinery and Materials Show; and Saudi Print 2009 – The 9th International Pre-press and Printing Technology Exhibition.

Supported by diamond sponsor Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC) and gold sponsor Petro Rabigh, Saudi PPPP 2009 will also feature a comprehensive range of products manufactured locally in Saudi Arabia, which collectively account for 35 per cent of the total products showcased in the event. The trade event’s confirmed exhibitors now represent a substantial 77.4 per cent increase in participation, while exhibition space has been expanded by 100 per cent to reach 15,000 square metres.
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The two-day course is part of ALHOSN’s commitment to providing continuous training and development to its workforce to improve their skills and competence. Trainees were taught how to identify and overcome work-related and personal time wasters and understand and prioritize their goals in life and work. They were introduced to practical tools and important guidelines to help them use their time wisely and trained on how to develop a more proactive approach to work.

“At ALHOSN we recognize that our workforce comprise our greatest resource. This is why we constantly train them to achieve their full potential and consequently enhance their service capabilities. At the same time, we want our training courses to be opportunities for self-growth as well, which is why we incorporate elements of personal development into our sessions. We highly value our employees as part of the business and as part of the ALHOSN family,” said Maha Hamdi, HR Manager, ALHOSN University.

A few months ago, ALHOSN conducted a highly successful two-day training on Level 1 Professional Business Writing Letter which taught participants how to prepare business letters and emails as well as minutes of meetings. The University is exploring other training topics which can help employees improve their quality of life, prospects for professional advancement, and the skills and attitudes necessary to perform their jobs optimally.

ALHOSN University opened in 2005 and currently offers 11 undergraduate and 7 graduate programs in three faculties, all accredited by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research. Its City Campus includes the Men’s Campus, the Women’s Campus, Library Building, Lectures Building, the Engineering Labs Building and a newly-built Studio Building. The University has been implementing key initiatives such as the recent upgrade of its online portal and website to enhance its status as a center of educational innovation. ALHOSN supports community and social growth through scholarships, the education of students with special needs and the encouragement of female participation in scientific and engineering courses.

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