Abdulhamid Juma, the Chairman of the Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF), has said he will 'vigorously' fight a lawsuit brought against him and MD Shivani Pandya by Founder and former Chairman Neil Stephenson, reported the Khaleej Times. Stephenson is seeking around $5m in damages and has accused Juma and Pandya of 'defamation, intentional interference with contractual relations, intentional infliction of emotional distress'. Stephenson left his post earlier this year.
United Arab Emirates:
Saturday, December 15 - 2007 at 07:47
Israeli novelist Eli Amir's novel 'Jasmine' will soon be available to readers Egyptian bookstores, reported ynet. While many Hebrew-language novels are translated around the world, it's rare that an Israeli author get to see his work translated into Arabic and published in an Arab country.
A new Coptic channel started broadcasting in Egypt last week called CTV, reported MENASSAT.com. Some say CTV addresses a strong need in the Coptic community to have their own media, while others fear in will further fuel hatred between Muslims and Copts. About 10 per cent of Egypt's population are Christian while Copts make up 85 per cent of that figure. Being a Muslim country state-owned TV has always failed to provide specific programming for the country's Christian community. With the launching of CTV Copts aim to send the church's message to every Christian home.
CNN Worldwide has expanded its operations in the UAE with the appointment of a new international correspondent, a new bureau chief and the opening of an office with full broadcast and production capabilities in Abu Dhabi. In addition to the expansion into Abu Dhabi, CNN also retains its base in Dubai which has an increased newsgathering role for CNN alongside the main CNNArabic.com operation.
United Arab Emirates:
Wednesday, December 12 - 2007 at 08:16
Hawkamah Institute for Corporate Governance is partnering with the Arab International Women's Business Forum at the latter's "Powering the future: Arab Business Women in a Modern Economy" conference today. Dr. Nasser Al Saidi, Executive Director of Hawkamah and Chief Economist in the DIFC, said the partnership aims to promote awareness around the corporate governance importance and strengthening its practices in women businesses. A number of seminars, conferences, and workshops will be held in the future as part of this partnership.
The Arab International Women's Business Forum has launched a new book entitled "Domain of Influence: Arab Women Business Leaders in a New Economy", produced in partnership with the World Bank and the art photographer Jacquline Hassink. The book provides a study of the most distinguished Arab women in business and entrepreneurship, including their revenues, and was distributed today among the attendees of the "Powering the future: Arab Business Women in a Modern Economy" conference in Dubai.
Brandscape, a firm which specialises in brand experiences, has this week opened an office in Dubai. Ken James will be the MD of Brandscape Dubai, while Richard Siemicki will be the firm's GM. Brandscape has additional offices in the UK, the US, France and Germany and counts the likes of Mercedes-Benz, Hyundai and Volkswagen among its clients.
United Arab Emirates:
Monday, December 10 - 2007 at 07:37
Dubai Holding subsidiary Tatweer has acquired a 30% stake in Lammtara Pictures, the producers of the popular Dubai based animated series Freej. The new board of directors of Lammtara will be chaired by Mohammed Saeed Harib, the creator and current CEO of the company, and will also include senior officials of Tatweer. Freej was launched in 2006 and has been aired on Dubai TV and Sama Dubai TV.
United Arab Emirates:
Sunday, December 09 - 2007 at 13:24
The fourth annual Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) opens today, December 9, and runs until December 16. The opening night film will be Michael Clayton, starring George Clooney, and the star himself will be in attendance prior to his question and answer session at the Souk Madinat Jumeirah Theatre at 9.15pm. Other stars including Sharon Stone, Michelle Yeoh and Tony Shalhoub will also attend the festival.
United Arab Emirates:
Sunday, December 09 - 2007 at 07:32
Hollywood actor and director George Clooney will be at the Souk Madinat Jumeirah Theatre tomorrow, Sunday, reported the Dubai City Guide. An event entitled 'In Conversation with George Clooney' will kick off at 9.15pm and tickets cost Dhs25 each. Clooney's new film, Michael Clayton, opens the Dubai International Film Festival which runs from tomorrow until December 16.
United Arab Emirates:
Saturday, December 08 - 2007 at 07:45
The Dubai International Film Festival today announced that the Dubai International Financial Centre has become the festival's sole 'Supported By' sponsor. DIFF 2007 will run from December 9 to 16, and will see top films and talent from the West, East and the Arab world gather in Dubai.
United Arab Emirates:
Thursday, December 06 - 2007 at 13:43
Dubai Studio City has announced the official opening of 18 boutique studios targeted at independent production and broadcast companies. The studios, which have been developed at a cost of $30m, are part of Dubai Studio City's phase 1 development. All the studios have been reserved by regional and international broadcasters.
United Arab Emirates:
Thursday, December 06 - 2007 at 07:30
The Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone Authority has announced a new initiative with the Dubai Film Festival (DIFF) that will provide Gulf filmmakers with a broader platform to showcase their films.
United Arab Emirates:
Wednesday, December 05 - 2007 at 07:48
Al-Jazeera has received permission to broadcast its English news service in Singapore, reported AFP. The service will be made available to subscribers of Singapore Telcommunications' (SingTel) pay-TV.
Qatar based corporate branding agency grow has appointed Garry Behling as a Creative Director. Behling has won design awards for his work on the Emirates Hills development in Dubai, while he has also worked with agencies in the UK, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur and Bahrain.