HP 'Design Your Personal Life Event' to occur simultaneously in four cities

Intended to inspire youth into greater cultural exchange and understanding, the "Design Your Personal Life" event is a testament to HP's ongoing commitment to the Middle East, Mediterranean and Africa (MEMA) region. HP has already initiated numerous programs throughout the region to help youth, women and small businesses to thrive. This event will use technology to bring the youth of different countries with similar experiences and environments together and create a community.

Music, one of the few things that transcend borders and cultures today, will be the main theme of the evening, bringing the four cities on three continents together through one satellite link, providing a global glimpse of how HP is able to reach and inspire the youth of the world.

"More than just an event, HP is creating a community. This event is the catalyst to start the dialogue; as the youth of the region associate themselves with this growing, regional community, it will develop into a vibrant meeting place of cultures and ideas,"

states Serdar Urcar, General Manager, Personal Systems Group, HP Middle East. "The role of technology in this event, as well as in the community, is to simplify interaction between the cities and to provide a platform where everyone can share their experiences."

A central micro-site hosting an online competition for new musicians in each of the four cities launched today. The micro-site is the community hub, enabling visitors to support their favorite groups by voting for songs or music videos. As an incentive, HP is donating one dollar to a local good cause association for every online vote. Voting also enables participants to win tickets to the events.

For each vote, HP will donate one US dollar to Manzil, a non-profit organization supported by friends like you who want to productively change the lives of individuals with special needs. The Centre seeks to apply educational, therapeutic and creative experiences to encourage and empower the physical, emotional and social development of its students.

"HP wants to create a true online experience. Technology links people from different places; and HP wants to leverage this to help communities share their values, cultures, designs and lifestyle." states Patricia Trodd, Marketing Manager, Personal Systems Group, HP Middle East.

The top five bands in Dubai will perform on stage at Wafi Rooftop Gardens on January 31st and compete for first place alongside special performances by celebrity musicians. A live satellite link at the events will share spotlights throughout the evening and unite the four distant competitions as well as the online spectators following the event on the micro-site into one community.

In addition to the boost in local awareness that the event will create for these up-and-coming musicians, HP is awarding the top five groups with the latest HP products. The winning band in each city will be recognized in an online campaign.