HE AbdulRahman Bin Mohammad Al Owais opens du Media Centre

Osman Sultan, CEO of du was also present at the inaugural ceremony.

The dignitaries reviewed the services provided to journalists by the du media centre, ahead of the region's premier sports event that kicks off on 17 January.

du, the new telecom provider in the UAE, is sponsoring five media centres at the Gulf Cup including the Armed Forces Officers' Club, Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium, Al Nahyan Stadium, Zayed City Sports Stadium and Millennium Hotel.

Commenting at the event, Osman Sultan, Chief Executive Officer of du said: 'The media centres present an innovative mix of technology and creativity in line with du's commitment to 'Add Life to Sports' that is inspired by our slogan 'Add Life to Life'. In practical terms, the centres will provide attending media with the opportunity to not only work more efficiently and comfortably but also to have fun at the matches.'

A first of its kind in Abu Dhabi, the media centres will feature a custom designed portal. Conceptualised and managed by du, the portal provides comprehensive information on the participating football teams, match schedules and press releases.

'The 18th Arabian Gulf Cup is organised to international standards. It was, therefore, important that we also set the benchmark for effective media centres,' said Mohammed Al Mahmoud, Chairman of the Media Committee for the 18th Arabian Gulf Cup 2007.

'Our media centers will provide 50 desktops, 50 laptops, 7 fax machines, 10 mobile battery charging units, plasma screens in the Officers' Club and 9 seamless plasmas for the lounge area. We are working closely with du and with our PR and Advertising agency, Viola, for the management of the media centres. We will ensure all possible convenience to make it a memorable experience for the visiting journalists,' added Al Mahmoud.

du's media centre at the Armed Forces Officers' Club is designed to 'de-stress' the media, and will also include a hi-tech lounge with plasma TVs broadcasting live coverage of the Gulf Cup and customised programmes, play station gaming consoles and a host of other recreational activities.