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ME to spend $3tr on leisure projects
Spending on leisure and tourism projects in the Middle East will reach $3 trillion over the next 20 years, and visitor spending at parks and attractions will quadruple to over $200m in 2011, reported Gulf News. The figures were disclosed at a panel discussion on the occasion of the Tourism Development Projects and Investment Market (TDIM), a major trade show in Dubai that features over AED700bn worth of tourism projects.
Annual ME festival showcasing cultural traditions
This year's Middle Eastern Arts Festival again will feature a vivid array of music and dance from the region, as well as exhibits, museum events and presentations by artists and scholars. Most festival events, which run from Feb. 4 through April 20, require no admission fee. All are open to the public. Events will include a concert of the music of Egypt and Turkey by Bloomington's own world music ensemble Salaam, an Afghan kite making workshop for families, an Arabic translation seminar and two evenings of dance performances.
AuDITIONS Arabia design contest launched
The AuDITIONS Arabia contest, known as the Oscar of gold jewellery design, was launched at a press conference at the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry earlier this week, reported Khaleej Times. The only gold jewellery design contest of its kind in the Arab world, it is organised by the World Gold Council (WGC) in partnership with Hammer Group of Germany, and the gold and jewellery committee of the JCCI. The Hammer Group is a 147 years old, multi-national, multi-business conglomerate comprising 26 operating companies with fine jewellery being one of its key business interests.
Al-Futtaim makes offer for Robinson
The Al-Futtaim Group, which operates Marks & Spencer stores in the Middle East, has made $374m offer to buy Robinson & Co., Singapore's oldest retailer, reported Bloomberg. Al-Futtaim hopes to gain access to Robinson's seven Marks & Spencer outlets as well as its department stores operating under the Robinsons and John Little brands.
Liverpool co-owner denies reports
Liverpool co-owner Tom Hicks has denied reports that he plans to sell his 50% stake in the English football club to a Dubai investment group, reported AFP. Dubai International Capital (DIC), the investment arm of the Dubai Government, is said to be preparing a $500m bid to buy the team, but Hicks, who owns the club together with fellow American George Gillett Jr, said reports of a potential sale were a 'complete fabrication'.
Dubai plans $1bn bid for Liverpool
Dubai International Capital, the investment arm of the Dubai Government, is preparing to launch a $1bn bid to buy Liverpool Football Club, reported BBC Sport. The report said DIC is in the process of making a full buy-out offer to American co-owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks. Initially it was thought DIC, bankrolled by Sheikh Mohammed Al Maktoum, was interested only in buying Hicks' 50% share.
Kuwait cinema over-censored
During Khalid Yousif's visit to Kuwait last week, the Egyptian director stated that he disagrees with the strictness with which movies are censored in Kuwait, reported Kuwait Times. Khalid Yousif along with the famous Egyptian actor Khalid Saleh and producer Gabi Khoury were guests at the Kuwait National Cinema Company to release their recent film "Heya Fawda?" (Is it Chaos?) which is now showing in all cinemas in Kuwait. Kuwait National Cinema Co. held a private showing of the movie for the media representatives. People enjoyed the movie but were annoyed by the fact that many scenes were removed due to censorship.
DUBAL sponsors Dubai golf tournament
Reflecting a commitment to being a good corporate citizen by supporting community-based initiatives and the broader goals of the Dubai Government, Dubai Aluminium Company Limited ('DUBAL') will sponsor the annual 2008 Dubai Desert Classic golf tournament, which takes place at the Emirates Golf Club from 31 January to 3 February 2008. This marks the 17th consecutive year that DUBAL has been the main sponsor of the PGA European Tour-sanctioned event, held annually in Dubai since 1989 and organized by 'golf in Dubai' since 2005.
Emaar to open Sega theme parks
Emaar has signed a deal with Sega to open theme parks around the region, including one at the Dubai Mall in Downtown Burj Dubai. All will be situated indoors and be based around the Japanese games maker's Joypolis centres. They will include roller-coasters, simulators and arcade machines.
Saudi to host first international golf tournament
Saudi Arabia is to host its first European PGA Tour golf tournament with the Saudi Masters for seniors being staged at the Dirab Golf Club near Riyadh from March 19-21, reported AFP.
UAE to be top Italian jewellery market
The UAE will soon become the top export market for Italian jewellers, replacing the US, reported Reuters. Maurizio Castro, director general of Vicenza Fair, said that 'maybe in 2008 and certainly in 2009 the Emirates will become the main export market for Italian jewellery'. A quarter of export-oriented Italian jewellery used to be sold to the US market, but the strength of the euro against the dollar and high import tariffs have made Italian jewellery too expensive for many US consumers in the last few years.
Saha eyes Middle East market
Thai consumer goods giant Saha Group is looking to set up shop in the Middle East in a strategic move to become a global player, reported the Bangkok Post. The company plans to export its own brand of detergent to Dubai, which will be the springboard for the Middle East market, in the first quarter of this year.
Gold jewellery sales down 14% in Dubai
Sales of gold jewellery in Dubai fell 14% in 2007 due to high prices for the precious metal, reported Reuters. Tawhid Abdullah, managing director of the Dubai Gold and Jewellery Group, said sales were down 20% in December, and in total the fourth-quarter slumped 30%. Gold prices have risen over 30% in 2007.
Qatar golf tournament tees off
The 2008 Qatar Masters will be the richest golf tournament ever staged in the Gulf nation, with total prize money of $2.5m will be offered at the event to be played at Doha Golf Club from January 24 to 27, reported Al Jezeera.
New Italian restaurant in Doha
Romano's Macaroni Grill - with over 230 restaurants spread across six countries is set to open its latest venue in Doha at the Villaggio Mall, located at the food court. Founded 20 years ago, the award winning Macaroni Grill brand dedicates its cuisine to those who love life and all its rewards. It combines a respect for tradition with a desire to create fresh experiences, positioning itself as an inspiring, vibrant social gathering place. The restaurant will open for business on the 15th January following a celebrity luncheon.
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