PRESS RELEASE

The countdown has started and in 100 days, at noon on 28 October 2010, the world’s first Ferrari theme park, and the largest of its kind, will open its doors to the public. Today Ferrari World Abu Dhabi unveils its exciting and unique attractions, designed to tell the Ferrari passion, excellence, performance and technical innovation together with its story, to families and fans of all ages and interests.

With more than 20 rides and attractions lying beneath the iconic 200,000 m2 red roof, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi will offer guests the time of their lives with a host of attractions that indulge the senses in ways never experienced before. With the thrill of some of the world’s most inventive rides, eye-catching surroundings, authentic aromas and distinctive sounds of Italy, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi will have something for everyone.

G-Force.

Some of the state-of-the-art attractions on show include the fantasy world of ‘Nello’ at Speed of Magic, as the mischievous racing driver leads guests on a fantastic 4-D adventure through deep green jungles to icy caves and ravines. Guests can also go faster than anyone has ever been before on a roller coaster when they ride Formula Rossa, which powers them to 240 kmph in less than five seconds. Discover what only Ferrari owners have before, with a tour through the Maranello factory aboard the Made in Maranello attraction and gain an insight into the making of the world’s most sought-after cars. Viaggio in Italia, provides a breath-taking bird’s eye view of Italy, as you follow a Ferrari California through the scenic countryside and famous Italian landmarks.

“The opening of Ferrari World Abu Dhabi will revolutionize the way visitors and people in the region spend their leisure time,” said Mohammad Al Mubarak, Chairman of the park’s operating company, Farah Leisure Parks Management. “It is a great testament of Abu Dhabi’s capacity, and the region’s potential, as a world class tourist destination.”

Piazza Ferrari.

“Ferrari World Abu Dhabi will provide an enthralling experience that will appeal to all audiences, including families and enthusiasts,” said Claus Frimand, General Manager, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi. “With just 100 days to go until we open the park to the public, all of our staff is committed to delivering one of the most spectacular entertainment venues in the world.”

“I can’t wait until we open our doors on October 28th and welcome our guests to this entertainment experience where they will discover the unique world of Ferrari,” he added.

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi has come a long way since the laying of the first stone back in November 2007 to become the world’s largest indoor theme park.

V12.

Rides and attractions:
• Formula Rossa – The world’s fastest roller coaster, reaching speeds of 240 kmph.

• Speed of Magic – A fantasy 4-D journey following the adventures of a young boy as he travels through a kaleidoscopic dreamscape of natural and phenomenal environments, where no Ferrari has gone before.

• Made in Maranello – A virtual trip behind the walls of the famous Ferrari factory in Maranello, taking guests through the intricate process of making the world’s most sought after car.

• V12 – An exciting flume ride to the heart of a 12 cylinders engine.

• G-Force – A thrilling tower ride that will shoot thrill-seekers through the red roof and 62 meters in the air before plummeting back to Earth, experiencing the actual G-force of a Ferrari, in a seat directly inspired by the Ferrari Enzo.

• Scuderia Challenge – Cutting edge racing simulators similar to those used by the drivers of the Scuderia Ferrari in training.

• Viaggio in Italia – A virtual aerial voyage over Italy’s cities and their main monuments, mountains and coasts pursuing a Ferrari.

• Fiorano GT Challenge – A unique dueling rollercoaster with Ferrari F430 Spiders twisting and turning through tight corners on a sprint to the finish line.

• Bell’Italia – A miniature recreation of Italy’s most famous locations, from the picturesque Portofino and the Amalfi Coast to Monza racetrack, the Colosseum in Roma, Venezia and Maranello, the heartland and home of Ferrari.

• Paddock – A re-creation of the Ferrari motor home including garages, transporters & hospitality suites with interactive shows offering fans a taste of the true action behind the scenes on a Grand Prix race day.

• The Pit Wall – An interactive theatre that allows guests to test their judgment in realistic racing scenarios.

• Galleria Ferrari – The world’s largest Ferrari gallery outside Maranello, showcasing the most exclusive range of classic and contemporary Ferrari’s from all over the world.

• Junior GT – A driving school for children with expert instruction where they will drive reduced scale F430 GT Spiders on an equipped driving course.

• Junior Grand Prix – After the Junior GT driving experience, budding F1™ drivers can enjoy the race track in scaled down Ferrari F1™ racers.

• The Racing Legends – A ride through Ferrari’s greatest racing moments starting from the first races all the way to today’s F1 victories.

• Driving with Champions – an interactive 3-D show which follows the adventures of a young engineer who is taken on the ride of a lifetime with a racing champion on his first day working at the Ferrari factory

• Cinema Maranello – Ferrari World’s own theatre showing ‘Coppa di Sicilia’, a short film that tells one of the many inspiring stories from the life of the legendary Enzo Ferrari.

• Junior Training Camp – An interactive play area for children where they can engage with a waterless car wash, become custom ‘constructors’, climb up the grandstand, pilot remote cars, paddle their own miniature Ferrari and play with an F1™ car made of soft, guest-friendly foam.

• Carousel – Featuring never-before-seen Ferrari prototypes based on winning designs from a Ferrari competition.

• Dining and Shopping – A range of concept restaurants and cafes offering authentic Italian dining experiences, in addition to unique shopping locations.

Award recipients with the Polish Ambassador.

PRESS RELEASE

The Ambassador of Poland to the UAE, HE Roman Chalaczkiewicz presented the “Gloria Artis”, the highest honour of the government of Poland, to H.E. Mrs. Hoda Al Khamis Kanoo, Founder of the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF) for her exceptional services in promoting Polish Culture and establishing cultural ties between the UAE and Poland. The medal was also presented to HE Mr. Zaki Nusseibeh, Vice Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (ADACH) and Advisor to the Presidential Affairs Ministry and to Mrs. Katarina Peers, Director of the first UAE International Chopin Competition 2010 during a special ceremony held at the Embassy of Poland in Abu Dhabi.

The “Gloria Artis” is presented by the government of Poland to individuals and groups who have contributed to Polish culture and to the strengthening of cultural ties between Poland and their respective countries. The ADMAF Founder has been one of the pioneers in establishing bilateral cultural ties between Poland and the UAE through various initiatives organised by the Foundation, including the promotion of Arab and Polish artists in the two countries. For example, ADMAF’s flagship event, the annual Abu Dhabi Festival this year brought to the capital the works of one of Poland’s musical giants, through a celebration of composer Frédéric Chopin’s Bicentennial. The festival’s opening gala on March 20 featured a performance by the National Polish Radio Symphony Orchestra directed by Grammy-Award-winning and acclaimed composer, Krzysztof Penderecki, who made his Middle East debut alongside piano virtuoso, Krzysztof Jablonski. As part of the festival’s Chopin Bicentennial celebrations, Nobuyuki Tsujii, the acclaimed 22-year-old pianist from Japan, also made his Middle East debut on March 28. The two performances resonated the Polish composer’s legacy in the UAE, contributing to the advancement of bilateral cultural ties between the two countries.

ADMAF has also played a crucial role in introducing Arabic music to art lovers in Poland in organizing the world premiere of a concert by Oud virtuoso Naseer Shamma and the Oriental Orchestra in Poland in March 2008. The performances were organised in association with the Ludwig van Beethoven Festival in Warsaw as part of ADMAF’s cross cultural program to promote Arab artists abroad.

Presenting the award on behalf of H.E. Bogdan Zdrojewski, Minister of Culture and National Heritage of Poland, HE Roman Chalaczkiewicz emphasized that it was the first time ever the award was being presented to recipients from the Arab World and added:

“We highly appreciate Mrs. Kanoo’s contribution to our Polish – UAE cultural dialog. Her achievements speak for themselves. She was an honorary guest on the Beethoven Festival in Warsaw. In 2007 she generously supported “The Days of Polish Culture in the UAE”, organized by the Embassy of Poland, under the patronage of the UAE Minister of Culture, Abdul Rahman Al Owais. As a founder and artistic director she contributed to the great success of the 7th edition of Abu Dhabi Festival 2010 which was also a success for Polish culture. Today I would like to honor the person who has worked in an exemplary manner to enable the Polish culture in Abu Dhabi to prosper. Her tremendous efforts have ensured the overall success of Abu Dhabi Festival with such distinguished musicians, as maestro Penderecki.”

H.E Mrs. Hoda Al Khamis-Kanoo, Founder of the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation, said: “On behalf of the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation, I am truly honoured to accept The Gloria Artis Medal. Over the last 14 years, ADMAF has been building bridges between cultures and nations to allow us all to delight in the splendid diversity of others. I have had the fortune to partner with Poland – the cultural heartland of Europe, which is steeped in history and rich with the legacy of many great composers and artists. Its spirit and determination have acted as a beacon of hope, inspiring others to bring art and culture to the fore.

This year’s Abu Dhabi Festival was proud to present Poland and I thank His Excellency The Ambassador for a fruitful partnership. I was delighted that His Excellency, The Minister of Culture and other eminent dignitaries were able to travel to the UAE and share this most memorable time with us.

None of this would have been possible without the guidance of His Excellency Sheikh Nayan Mubarak Al Nahyan, President & Patron of ADMAF, and the constant support of ADMAF’s Advisors and Team.

I hope that this award brings strength to all those who share a similar vision: to protect cultural expression; free creative thinking; and enable society to flourish.”

Among the must-watch movies of the day is Logorama, which won the Oscar Award for Best Animated Short Film this year. Directed by Francois Alaux, Herve de Crecy and Ludovic Houplain, Logorama depicts events in a stylised Los Angeles and is told entirely through the use of more than 2,500 contemporary and historical logos and mascots. The film will be screened on Friday at 9:30 pm at Grand Cinema 10, and on April 10 at 6:30 pm (Grand Cinema and April 12 at 12:30 pm (Grand Cinema 9).

Francois Vogel, whose films are screened in the ‘In Focus’ segment of GFF this year, will be screened today from 6:15 pm to 6:55 pm at Grand Cinema 7. Vogel’s films today include The Crabs, Kitchen, After the Rain, Three Blind Mice, Rue Francis, The Picking, Cheerful Country, A Nap Under the Coconut Trees and A Really Extraordinary Circus.

The in-competition feature today shows the Bahraini film Longing directed by Hussein Al-Hulaybi at 9:15 pm (Grand Cinema 5). The film emphasises the importance of dismissing sectarianism by recalling a number of incidents that have shaken the world – the Iran-Iraq war, the Soviet war in Afghanistan – and their impact on Bahrain.

In the Intersections segment, catch up with a spectacular collection of 15 Bulgarian films to be screened from 6:15 pm to 7:40 pm at Grand Cinema 10.

There are five UAE films being screened today; catch the creative flourish of young Emirati filmmakers including Ali Al-Jabri who brings Solo (Grand Cinema 8 at 6:30 pm), in which a musician is unable to achieve his pursuit of music and people now hear the censored music of his instrument.

The other Emirati talent include Essa Al Janahi with Clothes Line; Mohammed Alsaadi with Mahfouz; and Naser Al Yaqoobi’s To Mistrust (Grand Cinema 9, 6:45 pm). The screening of A Sketch of Life in the UAE – Saif and Minako directed by Shoko Okurano will also be held today.

Gulf Film Festival is supported by Dubai Culture and is held in association with Dubai Studio City. More details on the festival are available online at www.gulffilmfest.com.

For more information, please contact:
Majid Wasi
Communications Manager – Gulf Film Festival
Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone Authority
Direct: + 97 14 361 3882; Board: + 97 14 391 33 78

Kelly Home / Nivine William
ASDA’A Burson-Marsteller
Tel: (+971 4) 334 4550
E-mail: k.home@asdaa.com
n.william@asdaa.com

A star of music, films, and theatre, Harry Connick Jr is currently touring Australia, Europe, and USA. He will perform at Abu Dhabi Hall, ADNEC on May 16th. It will be the first time the three-time Grammy Award-winner has visited the UAE.

“I’m really looking forward to visiting your amazing country for the first time,” said Harry Connick Jr. “I know the United Arab Emirates is a country that enjoys music and culture and I look forward to sharing my music with you” he added.

Harry Connick Jr. who has sold 25 million records worldwide, is currently promoting his newest album “Your Songs” which is a compilation of 14 classic popular songs where he integrates a string orchestra and his big band, offering a distinctive approach. The album includes some of the best known work of contemporary song writers / singers such as Lennon-McCartney “And I Love Her” as well as immortal classics such as “Mona Lisa”, “All the Way” and “Bésame Mucho,” which is sung in both Spanish and English.

Harry Connick Jr. grew up in New Orleans surrounded by its rich musical heritage and he was only 5 when he began performing. He appeared on his first recording at age 10, and left New Orleans to try his luck in New York at the young age of 18. Within a year he released his self-titled major label debut for Columbia Records; however his first major success as a musician came when director Rob Reiner asked him to contribute to the 1989 film, When Harry Met Sally… The film’s success led to Harry’s first multi-platinum album, an accomplishment made even more impressive by the fact that it was also his first Big Band recording.

Connick has also built a successful film, TV and theatrical stage career. After making his acting debut in Memphis Belle in 1990, he has also appeared opposite three Oscar winning actresses in Hope Floats (Sandra Bullock), P.S. I Love You (Hilary Swank), and his latest film project New In Town (Renee Zellweger.) As a television performer, Connick has starred in holiday specials built around his best selling holiday albums as well as Harry Connick, Jr.: Only You In Concert for which he won a 2004 Emmy. In addition, he starred opposite Glenn Close in the TV adaptation of the musical South Pacific. Connick made his Broadway theatrical stage debut in the 2006 revival of The Pajama Game as Sid Sorokin to sold-out audiences, rave reviews, and nominations for Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle and Drama League awards for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical. The Pajama Game received the 2006 Tony Award for Best Musical Revival.

Commenting on the event, Christina Anthony, Special Projects Director of ADNEC said, ‘‘We are delighted to have somebody of the musical stature of Harry Connick Jr. performing at Abu Dhabi Hall. This is a remarkable beginning for a series of Live Events which will take place at ADNEC. Harry has been very successful since the beginning of his career and this new album is set to be an additional triumph.”

The show will be held in partnership with ADTA, AEG, The Coast as the official radio station, The National as the official newspaper and Synaxis Media as the official digital partner.

Harry Connick Jr. will be an all-seated concert. Doors open at 6:30 pm and the show will begin at 8:30 pm. Ticket prices begin at AED 395, AED 495, AED 549 and AED 595 and will be sold at Boxofficeme.com, Timeouttickets.com, Ticketingboxoffice.com and Virgin Megastores. For more information on the event, please visit www.adnec.ae/harryconnickjr

Media Information:
Jennifer Highland
ADNEC Account Manager PR & Marketing
T: 971 (0) 2 406 3342
M: 971 (0)56 692 3712
E: jennifer.highland@adnec.ae
Visit http://www.adnec.ae/press for the latest ADNEC news and images.

About Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC)
Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC) is a strategic international venue development and management company. ADNEC’s venue portfolio includes one of the most modern exhibition centre’s in the world – the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, and the UK capital’s largest exhibition and conference venue, ExCeL London.

ADNEC is creating unique business districts to serve Abu Dhabi’s rapid expansion and emergence on the global stage.

Development projects surrounding the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre include Capital Centre (a mixed-use development of 23 residential, commercial and mixed-use towers adjacent to the exhibition centre), Capital Gate (an iconic 35 storey gravity defying feature tower, featuring the 5-star hotel – ‘Hyatt at Capital Centre’) and a 2.4km Marina zone.

In addition, ADNEC is expanding within the region, with The Al Ain Convention Centre, a residential and business micro city around a state-of-the-art convention centre.

For more information visit www.adnec.ae; www.alaincc.ae; www.capitalcentre.ae; www.capitalgate.ae; www.excel-london.co.uk;

Performing a number of their classic hits, alongside new gems from their latest album ‘The Promise’, the concert, showcased the quartet’s range, passion, energy and perfectly crafted talent. Demonstrating a strong rapport on-stage, the four singers intertwined their voices to create soaring melodies, interspersed by solo performances that demonstrated the qualities of each man’s unique vocal range. The performance clearly demonstrated the new levels of maturity and shared purpose of the quartet, who have been working together since 2004.

John Lickrish, Managing Director of Flash Entertainment commented: “This evening’s performance was a huge success and a truly memorable way to introduce Il Divo to Abu Dhabi. The exceptional performances of both the quartet and the Puccini Festival Opera Orchestra thrilled the audience last night, who came out in their thousands to enjoy this unforgettable outdoor show.”

H.E. Hoda Al Khamis Kanoo, Founder and Artistic Director of the Abu Dhabi Festival 2010 also commented:
“I’m delighted that the Il Divo concert was so well received by Abu Dhabi audience. The Abu Dhabi Festival 2010 program was put together for the people of the Emirates, and it is always a pleasure to see members of the community enjoying Festival events. Il Divo are a young and dynamic group who bring the worlds of classical music and popular melodies together in a new and innovative way, adding a unique flavour to an already diverse Festival program.”

The Abu Dhabi Festival 2010 has showcased a number of stunning international acts so far, with standing ovations and world premieres bringing joy and excitement to the packed audiences. Running until the 7th April, the remaining program offers audiences a host of international and regional virtuosi performing in Emirates Palace, as well as community and education events taking place around the Emirates.

Il Divo in concert, Live in Abu Dhabi was sponsored by Aldar, Du and Etihad Airways, and supported by Marina Mall, Synaxis Media, Time Out Abu Dhabi, Showtime, Radio 2, ENG and Emirates Palace.

About Flash
Flash is an Abu Dhabi-based multi-faceted event management company with a global approach. Driven by a team of passionate professionals, distinctive events and a commitment to excellence, Flash offers comprehensive event management solutions which leave lasting impressions. Specializing in concerts, cultural and sport events, theatrical productions and festivals, Flash is involved with 360° event management: from concepts and designs through to coordinating every stage of production.

The Flash team is behind the most seamlessly executed and high profile events in the region, which have received wide acclaim and international recognition, including concerts from artists including Justin Timberlake, Bon Jovi, Elton John, Christina Aguilera, George Michael & Alicia Keys, and Shakira as well as the world premiere of the film Journey to Mecca . In January 2009, Flash also staged the Capitala World Tennis Championship, Abu Dhabi, to critical acclaim; the capitals first international tennis tournament and the company’s first major sporting spectacle.

www.thinkflash.ae

About Il Divo
For four young men it has been an incredible journey.

The dramatic rise of Il Divo has been incredible in its speed and ground-breaking in its success over the last three years, bringing an entirely new sound to the world of popular music. It is a sound that is unique: a blend of four exceptional voices, bringing the passion and virtuosity of their operatic technique and training to the interpretation of romantic and popular songs.

Launched in the UK late 2004, after a worldwide search of the international opera houses and concert halls by pop impresario Simon Cowell, the group were christened Il Divo – an Italian word meaning ‘Divine Performer’. Their multi-national identity reflects the universal appeal of their music; combining the individual talents of tenor David Miller from the USA, vox populi Sebastien Izambard from France, tenor Urs Bühler from Switzerland, and baritone Carlos Marin from Spain.

Il Divo have since become the most successful international musical break-out story of the past few years, selling more than 25 million albums. Conquering the hearts of fans and the charts of nations all around the world, the group has garnered over 150 gold and platinum awards in 33 countries. Their first 4 albums, Il Divo, Ancora, Siempre & The Promise have achieved 50 #1 album chart positions internationally, including at #1 debut in the United States for Ancora – the only classical crossover album to ever debut at #1 on the Billboard Top 200. Their first album was even the highest charting debut album for a UK signed act ever in America.

Il Divo have also quickly launched onto the stages of the world with great success…already selling over 2 million concert tickets. Their first world tour was a complete sell out, reaching 69 cities across 18 countries and was followed by a broader 2007 tour drawing continuous standing ovations across 30 countries. Their recent ‘An Evening With Il Divo’ which spanned most of 2009 saw the tour travel a full arena show across six continents, with over 130 dates. Il Divo closed the year with their first ever bespoke Christmas shows ‘Celebrate Christmas with Il Divo’ which featured traditional and favourite seasonal repertoire with a full orchestra and special guests across the UK, US and Canada.

The prestigious honor of joining Barbra Streisand on tour in North America, and many unique high profile performances such as the opening & closing ceremonies of the FIFA 2006 World Cup (at which they sang the official theme song with Toni Braxton), and a performance at The Purple Inauguration Ball in Washington for President Obama, have also been key highlights.

www.ildivo.com

About The Abu Dhabi Festival
Held under the patronage of H.H. General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, The Abu Dhabi Festival is the UAE’s premiere classical arts event, attracting high caliber regional and international artists to the capital every year. Through comprehensive educational and community programs, the festival brings together artists, students, community groups and cultural organizations from across the UAE.

About ADMAF
The Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation seeks to nurture the arts, education, culture and creativity for the benefit of society and the advancement of Abu Dhabi’s cultural vision. Established in 1996, the Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation under the patronage and Presidency of His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, ADMAF Patron and President.

ADMAF’s broad programme of initiatives and events – including the Abu Dhabi Festival and the International Comic Strip & Cartoon Art Festival among many others – brings together audiences of all ages and nationalities. Through its educational and community programs, it nurtures the creative talent of the UAE and beyond, in partnership with leading national and international institutions.

Visit: www.admaf.org

The winners of the best three entries were selected by a panel of judges, comprising Saif Al Mansoori, Head – Group Business Marketing at Emirates NBD; Sevag Davidian, Photography Director, ITP Publications; as well as the Talib Mohammed, Branch Manager of Emirates NBD, The Dubai Mall Branch.

The competition underlined Emirates NBD’s support for culture and fine arts and ran alongside a retrospective ITP Photography Exhibition, held at The Dubai Mall. Visitors to the exhibition could submit their own best photographs at one of the two Emirates NBD branches, conveniently located inside the mall, to have a chance at winning one of the three valuable prizes.

About Emirates NBD Group
Emirates NBD Group (DFM: Emirates NBD) is the biggest banking group in the Middle East by assets. At 31st of December, 2009, total assets were AED 281.6 billion and a market share of 20.5%.

The Group has a leading retail banking franchise in the UAE, with 132 branches, 705 ATMs and CDMs. It is a major player in the UAE corporate banking arena, with a market share of almost a fifth of corporate loans. It also has strong Islamic banking, investment banking, private banking, asset management and brokerage operations.

The Group has operations in the UAE, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Kingdom and Jersey (Channel Islands), and representative offices in India, Iran and Singapore. For more information, please visit: www.emiratesnbd.com

For further information, please contact:
Hassan Al Khuwaildi
Public Relations Officer
Group Business Marketing
Emirates NBD
Tel: 971-4-2092263
Fax: 971-4-2329147
Email: HassanAl@emiratesnbd.com

Parisa Ansarian / Sudha Chandran
ASDA’A Burson-Marsteller
Dubai, UAE
Tel: 971-4-3355969
Fax: 971-4-3356080
Email: p.ansarian@asdaa.com / s.chandran@asdaa.com

Raymond Gaspar, General Manager of The Palladium said, “This system is versatile and highly adaptable. It covers our entire auditorium, preserving sightlines, whilst giving us a clean and crisp coverage.”

According to Gaspar, in addition to sound quality, the system will save production teams and event organisers valuable time and money during their build up and rehearsals.

“The benefits of using an in-house system are that it saves technicians time, as it is already installed and it is not only perfectly tuned to our auditorium, our engineers are completely familiar with the system and its capabilities,” he added.

The system which was installed by highly trained technicians approved by Meyer and was put into operation for the first time during the live performance of the ‘Merchants of Bollywood’ musical production that took place at the Palladium earlier this month.

The spectacular high energy production was put together by an internationally acclaimed Australian producer, a Scottish director and an Indian cast of 40. Held for the first time in the Middle East, the extravagant mix of musical and theatre, had already enjoyed a sell-out tour of London, Berlin, Hamburg, Vienna, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Frankfurt, Munich, Geneva, Kuala Lumpur and Paris and received rave reviews with The Times of London describing it as ‘high octane pleasure.’

Malcolm Giles of Dubai-based staging services company Eclipse, a leading technical supplier to the event production industry in the UAE, was upbeat about the overall acoustic experience.

“Naturally the highest international standards had already been set. The new Meyer Speaker system worked very well for the Merchants of Bollywood show in the Palladium. The touring engineer even said to me, “I heard things on tracks that I had not heard before,” he said.

“Meyer has for a long time now produced a top end product with the Milo and Mica Speaker Systems. We have enjoyed touring and working with the systems on Prince @ London O2, Metallica… and numerous other tours and festivals over the years and look forward to working on more shows at the Palladium,” added Giles.

Built at a cost of over AED250 million (US$68 million), the multi-purpose auditorium is equipped with a retractable seating system which can accommodate a conference for up to 3,000 delegates, host a banquet for 1,200 guests or provide standing room for nearly 5,500 revelers at a concert.

Having opened in late April 2009, besides numerous corporate events, the venue has also successfully hosted the prestigious What’s On Awards, The Twelve Tenors, Backstreet Boys and the extremely popular Akon concert.

For more information log on to; www.palladiumdubai.com.

For media information, please contact:
Steven Jones
Managing Director
Shamal Marketing Communications
PO Box 502701
Dubai Media City, UAE
Direct : +971 4 3652711
Mobile : +971 50 4559769
E-mail: steven@smc-pr.com
Web site: www.smc-pr.com

In all, movies screened at DIFF have clinched 30 nominations with Nine and Avatar, the opening and closing galas of the festival, respectively, leading the list in sheer numbers for potential recognition.

DIFF Artistic Director Masoud Amralla Al Ali said the recognitions for movies screened at DIFF at both Golden Globes and now the Oscars highlight the top-notch programming associated with the event.

“DIFF is committed to bringing the best of film experiences from around the world. The recognition gained by movies screened in Dubai at the world’s foremost award events highlight the quality of film selection. These films offer an insight into modern filmmaking for the audiences and serve to inspire regional filmmakers.”

While Avatar is top contender for ‘Best Picture,’ Nine gives company in nomination for ‘Art Direction’ and Penelope Cruz billed for the ‘Actress in a Supporting Role.’ Avatar has also won nominations for ‘Cinematography,’ ‘Film Editing,’ ‘Music – Original Score,’ ‘Sound Editing,’ ‘Sound Mixing,’ and ‘Visual Effects,’ in addition to its director James Cameron contending for best direction laurel.

The Hurt Locker, screened at DIFF 2008, gives Avatar a tight chase with nominations for ‘Actor in a Leading Role’ for Jeremy Renner; ‘Cinematography,’ ‘Film Editing,’ ‘Music – Original Score,’ ‘Sound Editing,’ ‘Sound Mixing,’ ‘Writing – Original Screenplay,’ ‘Best Picture’ and director Kathryn Bigelow pitted against Cameron for ‘Directing.’

Nine has won nominations for ‘Costume Design’ as well as ‘Music – Original Song’ for Take it All composed and penned by Maury Yeston. The music awards has a dominance of DIFF movies with Fantastic Mr Fox competing for Music – Original Score with Avatar, and two songs (Almost There and Down in New Orleans by Randy Newman) from The Princess and the Frog giving hot chase for Nine in the category, Music – Original Song.

Fantastic Mr Fox and The Princess and the Frog, both of which made their Middle East premiere at DIFF 2009, have clinched nominations for ‘Animated Feature Film’ while The Milk of Sorrow from Peru and Un Prophete from France contend for ‘Foreign Language Film.’ Il Divo, which was screened at DIFF 2008 in the In Focus – Italy segment, is another nominee for ‘Makeup.’

The winners will be announced on March 7, 2010, with voting by some 6,000 members of The Academy world-wide currently ongoing.

The sixth edition of DIFF had recorded 50,113 admissions for the 168 films screened. The event was held in association with Dubai Studio City. Dubai Duty Free, Dubai Pearl, Emirates Airline and Madinat Jumeirah were the principal sponsors of DIFF and the event was supported by Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture).

For more information, please contact:
Majid Wasi
Communications Manager
Dubai International Film Festival
Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone Authority
Direct: + 97 14 361 3882; Board: + 97 14 391 33 78 ; Fax: + 97 14 367 28 92

Kelly Home / Nivine William
ASDA’A Burson-Marsteller
Tel: + 971 4 3344 550
E-mail: k.home@asdaa.com/ n.william@asdaa.com