Manchester City FC players, Sylvinho and Michael Johnson, are in the UAE’s capital city with club coaches to train local Emirati and international school children during the next four days.

The Soccer Schools are taking place at the Emirates Palace for three days before finishing at Al Ain Sports Club for the final day on Thursday 8 April.

Ideally situated within the resort, The Atlantis Dive Centre provides easy access and participation for all. In addition, all courses can be structured to fit around the holiday plans of both resort guests and day visitors. Guests will also get the unique opportunity to learn how to dive in one of the resort’s private and pristine salt water pools, allowing them to become accustomed to the sensation of diving prior to doing open water dives in the ocean.

Guests can enjoy a variety of accredited PADI courses from the basic Discover Scuba Diving programme to the Open Water Diver qualification to the more advanced Assistant Instructor courses for those wanting to pursue a career in diving. Certified PADI divers can enjoy an exhilarating half-day trip in the Arabian Gulf aboard one of two luxurious 37 foot Seamaster powerboats. The exciting half-day trip starts at 8.15am and includes two ocean dives at fifteen different dive sites within range of The Atlantis Dive Centre including man-made reefs and shipwrecks off the coast of Dubai and the magnificent Musandam. There is a maximum of 10 divers per half-day trip and towels and refreshments are provided. Qualified divers can also choose to broaden their dive experiences with advanced and specialty diving courses including deep diving, night diving, wreck diving, underwater photography and many more.

For non-divers, guests can participate in the Discover Scuba Diving course which will guide them through the basics of diving alongside an experienced PADI instructor and is inclusive of a pool and ocean dive. Guests can also enjoy sunset cruises and take in the breathtaking surroundings of Dubai’s famous landmarks and the Palm Jumeirah. Departure times vary according to season and are approximately 2 hours. Refreshments are provided throughout the cruise.

Younger guests can also join in on the fun with the Atlantis Junior Programs including The Seal Team and the Bubblemaker. Led by a qualified PADI Instructor, The Seal Team program is designed specifically for guests aged 8 years and older. Here, guests are introduced to various activities such as underwater photography, navigation and environmental awareness with the aim of becoming a certified PADI Seal Team diver. The Bubblemaker program takes place in the Zero Entry Pool and is designed for children aged 8 – 10 years old. During the program, guests will experience the thrill of scuba diving and swimming and playing underwater.

For reservations or additional information please contact The Atlantis Dive Centre reservations team on +971 4 426 3000 or by emailing: reception@atlantisdivecentre.com. The Atlantis Dive Centre is open daily from 8am to 5pm.

About the Atlantis Dive Centre
The Atlantis Dive Centre is a proud member of the Emirates Dive Association (EDA). The EDA is an active participant in protecting the world’s oceans and promoting diving in the Middle East as well as internationally. All instructors at the Atlantis Dive Centre are PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) certified with a combined 23 years experience and thousands of dives. PADI certifications are recognized worldwide and all certified divers must present their certification card when diving and should have dived within the last 12 months. If guests have not dived in this time, they will be required to complete a PADI Scuba Review. Open Water Divers will be restricted to depths of no more than 18 metres. The Atlantis Dive Centre stocks an extensive range of Mares equipment for everyone including occasional snorkellers, recreational divers and dive professionals. Mares is a world leader in underwater equipment with superior technology and design in all their products, from masks and fins to wetsuits and computers.

MEDIA INQUIRIES
Dubai
Ashley McBain, Kerzner International
+ 971 4 426 0325
Ashley.McBain@Kerzner.com

For further information about Atlantis please call +971 4 426 1000, or visit atlantisthepalm.com

Both low and high resolution colour photography of Atlantis is available at news.atlantisthepalm.com. If you are new user to this site, please complete the online registration to be granted access to the online newsroom.

About Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai
Atlantis, The Palm is a 1,539 room, ocean-themed destination resort located at the centre of the crescent of the man-made Palm Jumeirah in Dubai. This US$1.5 billion joint venture project was developed with Dubai Government owned, Istithmar. Opened in September 2008, the resort utilises the 46 hectares site with 17 hectares of water park amusement, further marine and entertainment attractions and a collection of some of the most renowned world-class chefs including Nobu, Giorgio Locatelli, Santi Santamaria and Michel Rostang. Atlantis, The Palm offers an unprecedented entertainment centre, an impressive collection of luxury boutiques and shops and extensive meeting and convention facilities. It is home to one of the largest open-air marine habitats in the world, with some 65,000 marine animals in lagoons and displays including The Lost Chambers, a maze of underwater corridors and passageways providing a journey through ancient Atlantis.

In a unique opportunity, the five lucky winners of Etisalat’s ‘Travel with the Team’ promotion will fly to Barcelona to accompany the FCB team on their way to Madrid on a private jet along with the team’s management and staff. The fully paid trip includes air-tickets, paid accommodation and match tickets for FCB’s upcoming encounter with Real Madrid on 10 April 2010.

The winning group consists of 5 lucky participants who won the chance to interact with their favorite football players and much more. Anne Abraham, from Canada; UAE National Saud Abdulaziz Alnjawi and Rami Sami Suleiman from Jordan participated and won by subscribing to the FCB news alerts via SMS. While the other two winners, Tareq Naseeb Ali Saleem Dawood from the UAE and Alexander Jankovic from Serbia, scored their lucky win on the radio competition that ran during the promotion period.

As part of its collaboration with FCB as the ‘Official International Partner’, Etisalat provided its customers the opportunity to travel with the team to Barcelona last year where the winners had the chance to interact with the team on route Camp Nou to catch the El Clasico football action live. The group of winners who traveled to Barcelona enjoyed the experience of a lifetime with the private jet ride with players, tour of the stadium and trip to the museum to acquaint themselves with more of FCB’s history and achievements.

Etisalat launched its ‘Etisalat Barca Mobile’ platform through the Weyak gateway earlier this year to celebrate Etisalat’s first partnership anniversary with FCB, offering fans complete updated information on all the FC Barcelona football action, championships and matches.

As football lovers, Etisalat has a long association with the sport, having supported the most popular football initiatives in the UAE and enabling customers and all UAE residents to get closer to their favorite game. It has sponsored the Etisalat Pro League, as well as UAE club teams competing in international competitions, vigorously contributing to nurture and develop the national football talent.

Press release issued by – Etisalat

For further media information, please contact:
Mohammad Okour
Mobile: +97150 8815000
m.okour@asdaa.com
www.etisalat.ae

The event held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, was held at the Dubai Tennis Stadium.

ENOC’s support to the event underlines the Group’s commitment to partnering in events that bring the community together, said Saeed Abdullah Khoory, ENOC Group Chief Executive.

“The Dubai Tennis Championship is globally regarded as a premier event in the tennis calendar and has contributed to strengthening the tourism calendar of Dubai in addition to driving interest in the sport in youngsters here. Our support to the event, for the third consecutive year, is a mark of our social responsibility to further elevate the global standing of the tournament,” he added.

ENOC supports key cultural, sports and educational events in the UAE regularly.

For further information, please contact:
Sara Hamam/ Kelly Home
ASDA’A Burson-Marsteller
Dubai, UAE
+971-4-3344550
s.hamam@asdaa.com/ k.home@asdaa.com

In its third year, the Middle East Golfer Awards is the only awards function in the Middle East which recognizes the strides made by those in the golf industry. Readers of the region’s leading golf publication were able to cast their votes online to determine the winners.

Saeed Harib, Managing Director of Nakheel Leisure, said: “The inaugural Dubai World Championship held last November at Jumeirah Golf Estates promised to bring in a new era of golf to the region and I think we can safely say we achieved this. Close to 60,000 spectators visited the Earth course during the four-day tournament and it was an overwhelming success.”

Colin Smith, Director of Sporting Events, received both awards on behalf of Dubai World Championship and Jumeirah Golf Estates.

About Nakheel
Nakheel is one of Dubai’s largest developers and a key player in realising the vision of Dubai for the 21st century: creating a world class destination for living, business and tourism. Nakheel is developing an iconic portfolio of innovative landmark projects in Dubai, and now in key markets around the globe, across a range of sectors – residential, commercial and leisure.

Nakheel’s Dubai portfolio currently includes Palm Jumeirah, Palm Jebel Ali, Palm Deira, The World, Waterfront, Jumeirah Islands, Jumeirah Village, Jumeirah Park, Jumeirah Heights, The Gardens, Discovery Gardens, Al Furjan and International City.

Nakheel is a key entity within Dubai World. Dubai World is one of the world’s largest holding companies and supervises a portfolio of businesses and projects for the Dubai government across five continents and more than 100 countries.

Further information can be found at www.nakheelmediacentre.com

Nakheel
Anna McGovern, Senior PR & Communications Executive
+971 4 375 9963 / +971 (0)50 457 5892
anna.mcgovern@nakheel.com

Husni El Assi, General Manager – Middle East, Sony Ericsson, said: “The Sony Ericsson WTA Tour attracts tennis professionals from all over the world. In hosting diverse activities around the event, we aim to reach out to the maximum number of tennis lovers in Dubai and share with them the joy, fun and entertainment the sport is known to offer. Sony Ericsson not only provides entertainment through its diverse portfolio of mobile phones, it also reaches out to engage the community with unique interactive activities.”

Sony Ericsson has additionally set up a mini-tennis court, in front of its stand at the Aviation Club stadium during the tournament. Audiences have an opportunity to participate in a game of tennis in between the exciting matches and learn about the latest mobile models in communication entertainment such as Yari, Satio and Aino launched by Sony Ericsson.

Furthermore, to ensure a more active involvement with the crowds, Sony Ericsson is also hosting entertainment events during the women’s and men’s semi-finals and finals.

Sony Ericsson’s worldwide title sponsorship of the WTA Tour is the largest and most comprehensive sponsorship in the history of women’s professional tennis. The Sony Ericsson WTA Tour is the world’s leading professional sport for women with more than 2,225 players from 91 nations competing for more than US$86 million in prize money at the Tour’s 53 events and four Grand Slams in 33 countries. More than 4.9 million people attended women’s tennis events in 2009 with millions more watching on television networks around the world.

About Sony Ericsson
Sony Ericsson is a 50/50 joint venture by Sony and Ericsson established in October 2001, with global corporate functions located in London and operations in major markets around the world. Sony Ericsson’s strategy is to become the industry leader in mobile Communication Entertainment, through new styles of interaction across the internet and social media. Sony Ericsson offers exciting consumer experiences through innovative and feature rich phones, accessories, content and applications.

www.sonyericsson.com

For more information contact :
Hela Goucha
Email: hela.goucha@sonyericsson.com

Or

Mathilda Saad
JiWin
Tel: +9714 361 3879 (direct)
+9714 361 3333 (switchboard)
+97150 699 9890
Fax: +9714 388 8001
Email: mathilda.saad@jiwin.ae

“Following the traditional draw, our guests will play alongside Richie Ramsay, Thomas Bjorn, Nick Dougherty, Lee Westwood, Pablo Martin and Ross Fisher,” says Abdulla Kalban (President & CEO: DUBAL). “This represents a prime opportunity for these golf enthusiasts to mingle with the best. It also allows us to express DUBAL’s corporate appreciation for the value added to our company by the excellence-based partnerships developed with these individuals and their companies over the years.”

Widely acknowledged as the industrial flagship of the UAE, DUBAL was established in 1979; and today owns and operates the world’s largest modern aluminium smelter with a captive power station. The DUBAL smelter complex, built on a dedicated 480-hectare site in Jebel Ali, has the capacity to produce one million metric tonnes of molten metal per year.

Reinforced by the Pro-Am tournament, DUBAL’s involvement in the DDC helps promote the company as a world-class industrial enterprise, locally and internationally. Each year, DUBAL demonstrates the company’s genuine interest in its customers and representatives from across the globe by inviting them to the golf tournament in Dubai. The advantages of gathering them in one place are then leveraged, as Kalban explains, “Scheduled business meetings coincident with the tournament allow us to build on our existing long-term relationships and consolidate our business plans. A comprehensive social programme is also arranged for our guests during their stay in Dubai, providing ample opportunity to experience our traditional Arabian hospitality.”

Based on previous experience, the rewards on the investment are substantial. “Our customers, suppliers, representatives and other business partners love Dubai and look forward to the DDC each year. They are also intensely loyal to DUBAL,” says Kalban, explaining that DUBAL has dealt with many of its customers since the company’s inception.

Kalban adds that DUBAL remains committed to supporting sporting events in the city that contribute to the socio-economic development society. “We are pleased to be able to lend our corporate support to the community at large, especially through world-class platforms, such as the DDC,” he says. The company is also the main sponsor of the annual Dubai Ladies Masters and supports horse racing and jet-ski racing within the UAE.

About Dubai Aluminium Company (“DUBAL”)
Dubai Aluminium Company Limited (“DUBAL”) owns and operates the world’s largest modern aluminium smelter with a captive power station. Built on a 480-hectare site in Jebel Ali, the complex’s major facilities comprise a one million metric tonne per annum primary aluminium smelter, a 2,350 megawatt power station (at 30°C), a large carbon plant, casthouse operations, a 30 million gallon per-day water desalination plant, laboratories, port and storage facilities.

The Jebel Ali site has the capacity to produce more than one million metric tones of high quality finished aluminum products a year, in three main forms: foundry alloy for automotive applications; extrusion billet for construction, industrial and transportation purposes; and high purity aluminium for the electronics and aerospace industries. More than 300 customers are served in at least 45 countries predominantly in the Far East, Europe, the ASEAN region, the Middle East and Mediterranean region, and North America.

The company holds ISO 9001, ISO/TS 16949, ISO/IEC 27001, ISO/IEC 20000, ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001 certification at its Jebel Ali site; and has twice won the Dubai Quality Award in the Production and Manufacturing sector (1996 and 2000). More than 4,100 skilled operators, tradesmen, administrative staff, technicians, professionals and managers are employed by DUBAL. Some 24 per cent of the total workforce is drawn from the local population, with UAE nationals holding over 70 per cent of Senior Management positions.

DUBAL also holds a 50 per cent share in Emirates Aluminium (“EMAL”), a green-field smelter development at Al Taweelah, Abu Dhabi. Commissioning of the first phase of EMA (comprising a 756,000 metric tonne per annum smelter plus associated power generation, reduction material and casting infrastructure) began in December 2009.

Driven by a quest for continuous improvement and ongoing innovation, DUBAL has invested substantial sums of money over the past 25 years in developing advanced reduction cell technologies that not only improve productivity but also reduce the operations’ impact on the environment through improved energy efficiency and minimized emission levels. This has culminated most recently in DUBAL’s proprietary DX Technology – a UAE flagship technology that operates at 370kA plus and therefore ranks among the best in its class. Developed in 2006, DX Technology has been implemented in a dedicated 40-cell potline at DUBAL’s Jebel Ali smelter complex; and is being installed at EMAL, which will ultimately produce 1.5 million metric tones per annum using DUBAL’s DX Technology.

Entirely state-owned, DUBAL is one of the largest non-oil contributors to the economy of Dubai and is widely regarded as the industrial flagship of the UAE. Having begun to tap metal at the Jebel Ali site in November 1979, DUBAL celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2009.

Prince Alwaleed commented: “The Saudi lady in sports continues to prove that she is a force to be reckoned with.”

Latifa Al Sheikh said that her achievement is with God’s blessing and Prince Alwaleed bin Talal’s continuous support to the Team and its members. Ms. Al Sheikh was trained by Mr. Najeeb Al Barjes, Kingdom Team Manager and Trainer. The jockey had entered the race demonstrating optimum skill at each stage of the challenge: she came fourth at the first stage, third at the second stage and gained momentum to compete for the lead at the third and fourth stages against her GCC and European competitors. The Moroccan jockey Ms. Maha Khaled achieved second place and the European jockey, Ms. Jata achieved third place. Ms. Al Sheikh further expressed her delight at winning first place especially as she was competing with first class international jockeys, and said that when she won, she raised the Saudi Arabian flag with pride. She had participated in several races in the UAE and won second place in the last challenge. However, this time around, her victory stands as a testimony to the competence of the Saudi lady in sports. Ms. Al Sheikh also thanked Alreef stables for their support.

In addition, Mr. Al Barjes said that Ms. Al Sheikh is on the path to achieving future victories and this victory was attained by a Saudi lady, making all Saudis proud. He also said, the Saudi lady is capable of achieving victory especially with the backing of Prince Alwaleed bin Talal and his encouragement of the team to reach competitive heights.

Kingdom Team series of achievements include, Ms. Al Sheikh won second place in the Women’s Endurance Championship held in 2009, Mr. Abdulrahman Alhawas earned the number one position in the challenge winning the Al Khalediah Prince Khaled‘s Cup Endurance Challenge 2009. In 2008, Kingdom Team won the Alwafa’ International Championship Cup held in Damascus, Syria. The Saudi Show Jumping Jockey Mr. Khaled Aleid earned the highest points in the final Arab League qualifying for the World Cup Championship. In March 2008, Mr. Aldahami achieved 1st place in the Qatar International Championship Cup held in Doha, Qatar. In February 2008, Saudi Show Jumping Jockey Mr. Ramzi Aldahami Kingdom team member won first place in the King of Bahrain Championship qualifying for the world championship finals. Mr. Aldahami achieved second place in the opening round and third place for the smaller award during the International Abu Dhabi Championship that qualified him to the world cup championship held on 24-26 January 2008. In January 2007, Kingdom Equestrian Team won the 2007 Bahrain Endurance Championship. The team had won 1st, 3rd and 4th place during the race which was organized by The Equestrian Royal Federation for Endurance Races, under the patronage of HH Nasser bin Hamad Al-khalifa. The team participated in the 120km race, 60 jockeys from around the world participated in the race. In February 2007, the kingdom equestrian team won the First Crown Prince Endurance cup in Saudi Arabia. In March 2007, the team also won the King Abdullah Endurance Cup 2007 which took place in Alras town in the Gassim province in north of Riyadh. In April 2007, they won the King Abdulaziz Endurance cup that took place in Hail and in November 2006, the team also won the Saudi Federation Cup.

At a grand ceremony upholding the proud KidZania® traditions that first originated in Mexico, and now popular among KidZanians around the world, Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, grand-daughter of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President & Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, unveiled the Eternal Flame of KidZania®, in the presence of her brother His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Distinguished guests, children from Raffles International School, KidZania® Ambassadors and Marketing Partners of KidZania® took part in the Foundation Day ceremony attended by His Excellency Francisco Alonso, Consul General of Mexico in Dubai; Mr Ahmad Al Matrooshi, Managing Director – UAE, Emaar Properties; Mr Xavier Lopez, Founder & President, KidZania®; and Mr Will Edwards, Governor, KidZania® Dubai.

Children from Raffles School, pledged allegiance by singing KidZania®’s own ‘National Anthem’ while the KidZania® flag was raised alongside that of the UAE and Mexico.

Mr Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer of Emaar Retail, which manages KidZania®, said: ”The Foundation Day ceremony is not only a tribute to the spirit of global solidarity that the edutainment centre promotes but also highlights the contribution of our Marketing Partners in helping develop an authentic learning environment.”

KidZania® is an award-winning edutainment concept, first launched in Mexico in 1999, to provide the ultimate in role-playing experiences for children. KidZania® Dubai opened recently to strong response with thousands of children already visiting the centre.

Mr Xavier Lopez added: “Following the opening of KidZania® in Mexico over a decade ago, it is of great excitement to see the Foundation Day of KidZania® Dubai, the seventh KidZania® around the world, following Santa Fe, Monterrey, Tokyo, Jakarta, Koshien and Lisbon. This is a unique concept that children both enjoy and tremendously benefit from.”

Sprawling over 80,000 sq ft over two levels, KidZania® Dubai is conveniently located in the entertainment precinct of the mall near Reel Cinemas, the 22-screen megaplex, and SEGA Republic, the largest of its kind indoor theme park in the Middle East.

KidZania® is a veritable city with an assortment of establishments covering the entire fabric of a working economy – from banks to hospitals, universities to salons, television stations to music lounges, and race tracks to supermarkets.

The marketing partners such as Emirates, HSBC, ENOC, Waitrose, AC Delco, Procter & Gamble, Lacnor, Emaar Education, Sony Gulf, Sony Professional Solutions, Jotun, Dubai Health Authority, Swiss Arabian, ARY Jewellery & DMCC, DEWA, Jenan (Al Ghurair Foods), Du, McDonald’s, General Motors, Emirates Driving Institute, NAFFCO, Dunkin’ Donuts, Britannia, Pizza Express, HP, Baskin Robbins, Coca-Cola and SWATCH offer real-life professional work environments within KidZania®.

Children can undertake over 70 professions including surgeons, firefighters, chefs, engineers, models, actors, artists, radio hosts, photographers, television hosts, jewelry designers, police detectives and mechanics among others.

They are paid KidZos, the official currency of KidZania® for their ‘services’ which can be used to buy goods and services or even save in their bank account in KidZania®, which provides them with an ATM card too. Children function independently but are guided in each activity by ‘Zoopervisors,’ the trained KidZania® staff.

The Foundation Day activities followed the true KidZania® journey with all guests being provided a Travel Pack containing their Boarding Pass, City Map, Travel Guide and Travel Itinerary for the day. Guests posed for a souvenir photograph at the Independence Fountain, the monument marking their ‘independence’ from adults. The Marketing Partners were given a symbolic key to the city and the artistic team of KidZania® presented a colourful performance and parade.

Tickets to KidZania® are priced at AED 125 for children and AED 90 for adults. Children can spend unlimited time within the zone while parents can rest at a dedicated Parents lounge with Internet and movies, if they so choose. All children are provided Remote Frequency wristbands to monitor their activities, thereby reassuring parents of their safety at all times. KidZania® also has a dedicated area for toddlers, the ‘Urbano’s Residence.’

Emaar Retail also manages Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo featuring over 33,000 aquatic animals and the world’s largest acrylic viewing panel; the Olympic-sized Dubai Ice Rink; the UAE largest megaplex with 22-screens, Reel Cinemas; and the region’s largest SEGA indoor theme park, SEGA Republic – all in The Dubai Mall.

About Emaar Retail
Emaar Retail is a wholly owned subsidiary of Emaar Malls Group LLC and is the vehicle for all retail operations. Emaar Retail is developing a portfolio of brands in key growth markets and is strategically building new alliances, joint ventures, franchises and licenses for all mall developments under the Emaar Malls Group umbrella. Emaar Retail also manages the business operations for The Dubai Mall’s leisure and entertainment brands including KidZania®, SEGA Republic, the Olympic-sized ‘Dubai Ice Rink’ and Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo. Emaar Retail has also entered into a joint-venture with Cathay Organisation Holdings Ltd in Singapore, to form Reel Entertainment to develop cinemas across the region including the flagship 22-screen cineplex at The Dubai Mall. Emaar Retail was established to drive Emaar Malls Group’s developments in key emerging markets across the Middle East, North Africa and the Indian Sub-Continent through creating the right retail mix for the various markets.

About Emaar Properties PJSC
Emaar Properties PJSC, listed on the Dubai Financial Market, is a global property developer with a significant presence in several key markets world-wide. Besides building residential and commercial properties, the company also has proven competencies in shopping malls & retail, hospitality & leisure, education and healthcare. For more information, visit www.emaar.com.

For further information, please contact:
Kelly Home / Meral Hassan
ASDA’A Burson-Marsteller;
Tel: (+971 4) 334 4550;
E-mail: k.home@asdaa.com, m.hassan@asdaa.com

Leading the playing field for the event, running 28th January and staged to officially mark the launch of the Gary Player-designed Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, will be Northern Ireland’s golf prodigy, 20-year-old Rory McIlroy, praised by Player himself as being the world’s most exciting young player.

He is joined by fellow European Tour regular, Darren Clarke, who famously beat Tiger Woods in the 2000 WGC-Andersen Consulting Match Play Championship.

In addition, a wealth of top female golfers including British Open Champion and MBE award winner, Catriona Matthew; Melissa Reid and Henrietta Zuel, rising stars of the Ladies European Tour; and Maria Verchenova, the first Russian to become a full-time member of the Ladies European Tour. They will also be joined by BBC Sports News Presenter, Sarah Stirk.

“We want to create a unique golfing experience, which brings together a one-of-a-kind cache of top sports personalities from around the world, to mark the opening of the breathtaking Saadiyat Beach Golf Club. This event perfectly complements the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship by bringing a new dimension to the emirate’s overall golf offering, whilst raising funds to support charities globally,” said Ahmed Hussein, Chief Operating Officer of TDIC and Deputy Director General of Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA).

Golf legend Player, whose on-course accomplishments include three Masters wins, three British Open titles, two PGA championships and the US Open, was full of praise for the top-draw turnout to support the charity event.

“I am very pleased at the level of support this very exciting event has received both from my fellow professionals as well as the numerous celebrities that support our efforts and events in many parts of the world, all aimed at raising funds for charity”, said Player, who has a long track-record of hosting charity events.

Other big names attending the Saadiyat Beach Classic include Scotland’s enigmatic golfer, Sam Torrance OBE, who was the winning non-playing captain of the 2002 European Ryder Cup team and the European Tour’s ninth most successful golfer of all time.

Joining Torrance, who currently plays on the European Senior Tour, will be fellow compatriots Peter Mitchell, the long-standing English golfer who is widely regarded as one of the game’s top instructors, and Costantino Rocca, Italy’s most successful golfer of all time.

Also looking to flex their golfing muscles on the Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, the Arabian Gulf’s first and only beachfront course, will be rugby legends, Gavin Hastings – the British and Irish Lions star who is widely tipped as one of his generation’s most outstanding rugby union players – and South African Springbok, Victor Matfield – one of the best locks in the world.

And swapping a bat for a club is former English cricketer and current cricket analyst, Allan Lamb, who will be looking to transfer his hitting skills into low scores on Saadiyat Beach Golf Course – which is being developed by TDIC on Saadiyat Island, the global leisure, residential and cultural destination under development just 500 metres offshore Abu Dhabi city.

“It is a great boost to Abu Dhabi credentials as a world-class emerging golf destination of distinction to have attracted such a diverse compilation of the most revered names in sport. From rising stars to legends of their games, the field for the inaugural Saadiyat Beach Classic hosted by Gary Player will certainly be one to remember,” added Lee Tabler, Chief Executive Officer, TDIC.

At the centre of the two day spectacle will be an 18-hole tournament, where teams of four – including a top international golfer or celebrity – will battle it out on Saadiyat Beach Golf Club’s lush fairways and greens.

Tickets for the Saadiyat Beach Classic are complimentary to the public and can be downloaded from www.saadiyatbeachclassic.com Beginning at 9.30am, the tournament will boast unrivalled viewing of all the action throughout the day. Food and beverage will be available at the course and car parking at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club is free to ticket holders.

Five charities, local and international have been identified as beneficiaries for January’s Saadiyat Beach Classic, which are the Zayed Higher Organization for Humanitarian Care and Special Needs ; Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation; Red Crescent UAE; Future Centre for Special Needs; and the Gary Player Foundation.

To raise funds for the nominated charities, TDIC will host a black tie gala charity dinner, where an auction will take place for more than 50 must have items donated by corporate sponsors and partners. Taking place at Emirates Palace on Saadiyat Beach Classic’s final day, the 350-person evening extravaganza – boasting an impressive entertainment line-up and some of the biggest names from the sport and entertainment worlds – will be one of the most sought-after events in town.

The Saadiyat Beach Classic has attracted a strong line-up of corporate partners which include Emirates Palace and Emirates Airline as Platinum sponsors, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, Al Habtoor Leighton, Al Jaber LEGT Engineering & Contracting, HILALCO, Jan De Nul Group, National Bank of Abu Dhabi, Parsons and Saif Bin Darwish as Gold Sponsors, and Abu Dhabi Media Company, Motivate Publishing and Gulf News Broadcasting as media partners.

About the Charities

• The Zayed Higher Organization for Humanitarian Care, Special Needs is one of the institutions in Abu Dhabi providing professional care for people with disabilities. In two locations, Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, around 250 people with psychological and physical disabilities are looked after in day care centres. The organisation provides support for vocational training for the disabled, assisting them in finding fulfilling employment.

• Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation aims to undertake all possible works of welfare and charity for the general good. This includes participating in setting up and supporting hospitals, clinics and rehabilitation centres, first aid organisations, orphanages and child care centres, as well as homes for the elderly and disabled. The foundation participates in giving relief to areas stricken by disasters, natural and social, such as famines, earthquakes and floods, storms and drought, and in supporting prevention of these events.

• The Red Crescent UAE focuses on providing healthcare and disaster management in areas affected by warfare or natural disasters and promotes volunteering as a key humanitarian principle. The Red Crescent supports approximately 48,000 orphans around the world. The humanitarian organisation was established in the UAE in 1983. It now has 11 offices throughout the emirates and works with the United Nations, the International Red Cross and the International Red Crescent in Geneva, Switzerland. Aid includes education funding, health, food and clothing.

• The Future Centre for Special Needs is a non-profit organisation based in Abu Dhabi. It provides special education and therapy-based services to young individuals with disabilities. The organisation aims to equip these children with the knowledge and skills to enable them to realise their full potential in a safe, secure and stimulating environment.

• The Gary Player Foundation brings hope, help and healing to underprivileged children and impoverished communities through education and health initiatives. Established in 1983, the foundation has raised over $30 million for children worldwide.

About Saadiyat Beach Golf Club
Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, with its Gary Player designed course, is one of the world’s most uniquely captivating golfing projects. As the Arabian Gulf’s first and only ocean course, it will feature several beach-front holes, in a course that weaves in and out of nine five-star hotels lining the beach. About one-third of the course will command spectacular views of the Gulf’s glittering, crystal waters fringed by pristine white sands.

The imaginative golf course routing provides a spectacular variety of golf experiences, with every hole having its own unique character. From the creation of an aquatic habitat, to the introduction of salt-water lagoons and restoration of the beach and sand dunes, the course has been designed with strict environmentally guidelines and sensitivity to the surrounding natural environment.

With its array of native grasses and sensitivity to local turtle habitat – just to name a few of the numerous environmental initiatives – the course has applied to become Audubon certified – an award-winning education and certification programme that helps golf courses protect the environment and preserve the natural heritage of the game of golf.

As the social and recreational heart of Saadiyat Beach District, the club provides world-class amenities such as the golf academy, practice facilities and an iconic clubhouse with breathtaking views of the immaculate white sandy beach – all to create an “unparalleled” golf experience.

Saadiyat Beach Golf Club is being developed by Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC), an independent company of which Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) is the sole shareholder.

Saadiyat Beach Golf Club is managed by Troon Golf, the world’s largest golf management company which oversees operations at properties located in 26 countries worldwide. Troon Golf managed courses include Abu Dhabi Golf Club, UAE; The Grove, London, and, Turnberry Resort, Scotland, host of the 2009 Open Championship.

This free must-have application has been designed in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship 2010 organisers, especially for golf fans and is available to Etisalat iPhone users for download via iTunes beforehand as well as onsite at the Etisalat stand in the sponsors village. Along with live updates, the application also allows users to view the leader board, player bios, course details with 3D fly-throughs of the holes and a 2-minute video highlight at the end of each day’s play.

The Abu Dhabi Golf Championship 2010 defending champion, Paul Casey, commented on the occasion, “I’m a big follower of new technologies and am always excited when they have a relevance to the game of golf. The app gives everything a golf fan needs to improve the onsite experience and to have it right there on your phone is very cool.”

Etisalat’s iPhone app is aimed to keep the spirit of the game thriving throughout the Golf Championship 2010 as a perfect accompaniment to customers who may be on-the-road or not near the Internet or television on the day of a game, therefore keeping them constantly updated while on the move.

For more information, customers can call 101.

Press release issued by – Etisalat

For further media information, please contact:
Mohammad Okour
Mobile: 050 8815000
m.okour@asdaa.com
www.etisalat.ae

Many famous test cricketers also attended the event which included Iqbal Sikandar, who was part of the winning 1992 Cricket World Cup team of Pakistan; Mohsin Kamal, Pakistani Test player Rumesh Ratnayke, famous Sri Lankan Test player; and Ali Anwar Jaffery, Kabeer Khan, and Roy Doyce from Sri Lanka.

Shehab Lotfi, General Manger Ramada Hotel & Suites Ajman thanked the members of UAE Cricket Board, players, VIPs and cricket lovers for attending the event. He said: “Though we are a relatively new property but we are all geared up to host any future cricket events at Ramada Ajman. We appreciate the efforts of Mr Mazhar Khan and Mr Ali Anwar Jaffery for hosting a successful Asian T20 Championship in the UAE and keeping the game alive. We are happy that ACC’s technical development committee coordinated with us well in advance which helped us make adequate arrangements for the comfortable stay of the teams.”

Iftikhar Hamdani, Director of Sales and Marketing Ramada Hotel & Suites Ajman, pointed out that cricket is the most popular sport of South East Asia, has grown in leaps and bound and has attracted greater audience after the commencement of T20. He said: “It is heartening to know that cricket will be included in the upcoming Asian Games in China which is good news for the cricket lovers of this region. We at Ramada Ajman will be partnering all such future activities and extend our full support for the cricket associations as well as individual cricketers from all over the world.”

At the end of the event, Iqbal Sikandar, Rumesh Ratnayke and Roy Doyce thanked the management of Ramada Ajman and appreciated their efforts of hosting Asian teams at the property. They also praised the high level of service provided to the teams and the welcome extended by the professional staff of Ramada Ajman to them.

About Ramada Ajman
Ramada Hotel & Suites Ajman is situated in downtown on Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Road within the easy reach of the main airports and business centres in the UAE. It is also closer to the famous Ajman Beach Road and city’s major shopping & commercial areas. It is within 10 minutes from Sharjah city, 15 minutes from Sharjah Airport and 20 minutes away from Dubai International Airport. In a league of its own, Ramada Hotel & Suites Ajman invites you to experience the comforts of your own home while enjoying the very best in modern comfort and luxury.

For more information please contact:
The Idea Agency PR Department
Tel: 04-3434424 Fax: 04-3434305 e-mail: pr2@tia.ae

Today, in the presence of Chairman of Manchester City Khaldoon Al Mubarak and Etisalat Chairman Mohammad Hassan Omran, Manchester City FC CEO Garry Cook and Etisalat Chief Marketing Officer Essa Al Haddad signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which precedes a full three-year strategic sponsorship agreement to be formalized later this year.

The MoU will see both organizations work together to rapidly develop a customized program to drive a long-term relationship based on mutually agreed outcomes.

As part of the terms of the agreement, Etisalat will become the exclusive MCFC Telecommunications Partner in the countries of Etisalat’s operations. For MCFC, the strategic alliance represents another opportunity for the globalization of the brand, as Manchester City continues to develop its worldwide network of fans.

With the agreement Etisalat becomes the football club’s third global partner, joining Etihad Airways and Umbro. all globally relevant sector leading companies with proven and ambitious track-records.

Etisalat has been an ardent football fan for many years and is committed to bringing the thrill of the game to each and every enthusiast in the UAE and beyond, in a number of ways. Etisalat has also been long associated with some of the most popular football initiatives in the UAE and internationally enabling customers and all UAE residents to get closer to their favorite game. It has sponsored the UAE national team, the UAE football league, now known as the Etisalat Pro League, as well as UAE club teams competing in international competitions, vigorously contributing to nurture and develop the National football talent. These initiatives now coupled with the upcoming Manchester City sponsorship are a reflection of Etisalat’s long term commitment to elevating the standard of the game in the country and taking each and every football enthusiast closer to the excitement and spirit of the game.

Essa Al Haddad of Etisalat said: “Etisalat’s agreement with Manchester City reflects our passionate commitment to football, in the UAE and internationally, and to our growing global customer base. Moreover, our objective is to create, nurture and develop the young talent in UAE, and position UAE as a leading country on the world sports map. Towards this intention, we are not only supporting our National Team, but also multiple clubs and their international participation. We have shown unstinting support to grassroots football in the UAE, through sponsorship of the President’s Cup, the UAE national team, the Etisalat First and Second Leagues, and now the Etisalat Pro League.”

“The profile of the club is already growing globally, and the ability to effectively expand this growth with tailored communications forms the core of our agreement with Etisalat,” said Garry Cook, CEO of Manchester City Football Club. “This strategic opportunity allows us to connect to passionate football fans around the Middle East and African regions, providing customized Manchester City FC content through mobile communications channels.”

The sponsorship is also a significant step forward in Etisalat’s long-term strategy to become one of the top-10 telecoms service providers in the world. Etisalat provides a broad range of fixed line and mobile phone services to more than 94 million subscribers across 18 countries, and the corporation’s enthusiastic backing of football has helped promote ‘the beautiful game’ in all of the markets where it operates.

Manchester City FC is in Abu Dhabi this week to play the UAE National Team on Thursday, November 12 at Zayed Sports City.

Notes to Editors
Established in 1880, Manchester City Football Club, also known as Man City or The Blues, is now fully owned by Abu Dhabi Union. The club won the world’s oldest cup competition, the FA Cup, in 1904, becoming the first team in Manchester to do so. Along with four FA Cup titles, they have won the English Football League twice and lifted the European Cup Winners Cup in 1970.

Manchester City is currently sixth in the English Premier League and is enjoying their best ever start to a Premier League season. Man City fans are renowned for being among the most passionate football fans in England and The Blues’ support is growing worldwide. The club has one of Britain’s most decorated players as manager, former Wales manager Mark Hughes, and one of the country’s best youth academies. The club’s ground, City of Manchester Stadium, is also among the newest in England, seating 48,000 spectators.

Press release issued by – Etisalat

For further media information, please contact:
Mohammad Okour
Mobile: 050 8815000
m.okour@asdaa.com
www.etisalat.ae

The current world record holder, Gebrselassie met with race officials in his home town of Addis Ababa last week to confirm he will return to Dubai for a third crack at breaking one of the most celebrated world records in sport on January 22.

“There are few, if any, greater names in athletics history than Haile Gebrselassie so once again we are proud and delighted that he has chosen to make his next marathon appearance in Dubai in three months time,” said Event Director Peter Connerton.

Held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai, and staged under the aegis of the Dubai Sports Council, the Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon saw Gebrselassie make his Dubai debut in January 2008 with a sensational winning time that was the second fastest in history. Last year, he defied some unseasonal rain showers to win again, this time posting the eighth best time ever to win from up-and-coming countryman Deressa Chimsa.

“Last year the rain was bad and I wasn’t feeling 100% so to win and prove I could run well in the wet weather was a bonus for me,” said Gebrselassie.

“I still can’t believe I didn’t break the world record in 2008 – everything was perfect except the pace for the first half of the race, which was too fast. For me, Dubai is a perfect racing venue.

“It’s only a short flight from Addis, the weather is usually beautiful, the course itself is very, very good and the athletes are treated really well. I’m already training hard and looking forward to running again in Dubai in January.”

Gebrselassie’s last marathon appearance was in Berlin in September where he won for the fourth consecutive year but fell short of breaking his own world record of 2h:03m:59s he set a year earlier on the flat course. He did, however, pass through the 30km point in 1:27:49, a new world record for a road 30km and the 27th of his incredible career.

His return to compete in the US$2 million Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon is expected to increase entries for an event that has raised awareness of the emirate as a venue for road running.

“We are already counting the days until Haile lines up with marathon runners from across the world,” said Ahmed Al Kamali, Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon General Co-ordinator, President of the UAE Athletics Federation and Al Ahli Club Board Member.

“He is an inspiration to millions of runners around the globe and we believe his third appearance in Dubai will help encourage people of all ages in the UAE to take to the streets and start running. It’s fun and it’s healthy – whether it’s the full marathon distance, the 10km or the 3km Fun Run, there’s a race for everyone at the Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon.”

Entries for the Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon are being accepted now at all branches of Fitness First in Dubai and online at the event’s official website www.dubaimarathon.org. Teams and individuals are asked to ensure of their places in the line-up before the closing date for entries on December 31.

As Yas Island opens for the inaugural F1 race on the Yas Marina Circuit on Sunday November 1st, this was the perfect time and place for the Ferrari Owners Club UAE to meet. The Ferrari Owners Club UAE was founded in 2008 by over 40 owners passionate for the brand and its cars. Over a year later it is over 80 members strong. The club has members from more than 20 different nationalities and aims to organise various track events on the Yas Marina Circuit throughout the year.

Fred Kamperman, President of the Ferrari Owners Club UAE commented: “We are delighted to gather in Abu Dhabi for this momentous occasion. All of our members are amazed at this fantastic track and its facilities. We will definitely be using the track in the future for our regular track events.”

InterContinental Hotels Group’s Crowne Plaza recently opened on one of the UAE’s most exciting projects, Yas Island. The hotel is within five minutes walking distance of the Yas Marina Circuit.

Media Contacts:
Niamh Keohan
PR and Marketing Manager
niamh.keohan@cpyas.com

John Christian Bajado
PR and Communications Executive
john.bajado@cpyas.com

P.O.BOX: 41880
Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Tel: +971 2 6563161
Fax: +971 2 6563001

About Crowne Plaza Hotels and Resorts
Crowne Plaza is an upscale brand in major urban centres, gateway cities and resort destinations offering business travellers high levels of comfort, service and amenities.

Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts is a dynamic hotel brand currently located in nearly 50 countries around the world.

Truly international, Crowne Plaza offers premium accommodation, designed for the discerning business and leisure traveller who appreciates simplified elegance combined with the practicality of the latest features, as well as value for money. At Crowne Plaza, guests can enjoy a 24-hour business service, wireless high speed internet access in the lobby plus state of the art gym and leisure facilities.

About IHG
InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) is the world’s largest hotel group by number of rooms. IHG owns, manages, leases or franchises, through various subsidiaries, over 4,200 hotels and more than 620,000 guest rooms in nearly 100 countries and territories around the world. The Group owns a portfolio of well recognised and respected hotel brands including InterContinental® Hotels & Resorts, Hotel Indigo®, Crowne Plaza® Hotels & Resorts, Holiday Inn® Hotels and Resorts, Holiday Inn Express®, Staybridge Suites® and Candlewood Suites®, and also manages the world’s largest hotel loyalty programme, Priority Club® Rewards with 43 million members worldwide.

IHG has nearly 1,700 hotels in its development pipeline, which will create around 140,000 jobs worldwide over the next few years.

InterContinental Hotels Group PLC is the Group’s holding company and is incorporated in Great Britain and registered in England and Wales.

IHG offers information and online reservations for all its hotel brands at www.ihg.com and information for the Priority Club Rewards programme at www.priorityclub.com. For the latest news from IHG, visit our online Press Office at www.ihg.com/media