Category: Middle East VIPs

Porsche 918 Spyder prototype completes UAE visit

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Porsche 918 shereen shabnam

Heard the squealing voice of a fellow Porsche fan last week about the world’s first hybrid super race car, capable of travelling from zero to 100 km/h in less than three seconds. She was calling to check if I was saying yes to an invitation to go view the said car with her as it made its final UAE stop in Dubai last weekend as part of an exclusive Middle East tour.

The new generation Porsche 918 Spyder prototype, dubbed as the super sports car of tomorrow was presented to a VIP audience at the Porsche Centre Dubai Showroom, as part of a regional tour that includes Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Bahrain.

Designed as a high-performance hybrid with plug-in electric module, the model is limited to a worldwide production of just 918 individually numbered supercars with start of production in autumn this year.

Rajaram…who was the first car personality I met via the Millionaire Group was quoted …”With a top speed of over 325 km/h, and a purely electric top speed of over 150 km/h, the 918 Spyder pushes the boundaries in developing new technologies for future vehicle concepts.”

The 918 Spyder features a newly-designed 4.6-litre V8 engine producing over 580 hp, and is accompanied by two permanently energized electric motors on both front and rear axles, producing a combined power output of over 180 kW.

The total power output of the V8 engine and electric motors is over 795 hp, and is coupled to the seven-speed Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK), enabling extremely fast gear changes for high performance, comfort and efficiency.

Sharing the same genes as the Porsche 917 Le Mans, the lightweight, high quality materials of the 918 Spyder keep the focus on what’s important: the driver. Intelligent ergonomics keep him comfortable and safe, with height-adjustable bucket seats, a dynamically rising centre console with touchscreen and a central instrument cluster with three separate dials.

The 918 Spyder continues the super sports car line in Porsche history; as technology demonstrators, the driving force behind emotion and evolution alike and the ultimate sports cars of their decade: the Carrera GTS, the first Porsche Turbo, the 959, the 911 GT1, the Carrera GT.

The new Porsche 918 Spyder is available for order now, with a basic retail price in the United Arab Emirates of AED 3,294,000.

7 new Gulf short films to get noticed

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Gulf Film Festival Shereen Shabnam

After watching heaps of romantic comedies, I have now expanded my genres into short films and documentaries thanks to the inspiration from local film makers and DIFF. The great news is that Enjaaz, the post-production support programme, and Image Nation Abu Dhabi have announced a collaboration that will see them joining forces to further support the region’s filmmakers in developing their own voices and taking their place in the international film community.

The move to strengthen the support for the production of Gulf short films was launched in 2011 between the Gulf Film Festival and the Dubai Film Market’s Enjaaz programme supporting 4 projects last year, and together with Image Nation Abu Dhabi will support 7 films from the 2012 Enjaaz cycle with the mission of bringing these projects to the big screen. This is the first time Image Nation Abu Dhabi and the Gulf Film Festival have pooled resources and funds with the common goal of supporting filmmakers from the Gulf towards the completion of their short films and further develop a sustainable film industry in the region.

The seven selected projects will see the filmmakers awarded up to $50,000 per project in production funds and access to a wealth of experience and guidance from Image Nation Abu Dhabi.  The Enjaaz projects include: Fragrance of the Dead from Bahraini writer Farid Ramadan and Iraqi director Emad Ali Abbas, Cholo written and directed by Munza Musafer from Oman, Don’t Leave me Behind from Emirati writer Yousef Ebrahim and director Khalid Al Mahmoud, The Crucified from Qatari writer and director Khalid Al Mahmoud, Cotton by Iraqi writer and director Loay Fadhl, Ambulance Driver written and directed by Hadi Mahoud and Our Screens written and directed by Mohammed Tawfik both from Iraq.

The projects Cotton, The crucified and Cholo were all selected through the Gulf Script Market for Short Films, an initiative that was launched in 2012 to raise the profile of the Gulf’s scriptwriters, assist them in fine-tuning their scripts and form partnerships with directors and producers. ..a lot to look forward to film buffs in the region 🙂

George Classen impresses little diva at Burj Al Arab

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NJD at Burj Al Arab checking out the art scene

NJD at Burj Al Arab checking out the art scene

Last Thursday I took little diva NJD to the Burj Al Arab to go through the world’s largest atlas plus get up, close and personal with the Aston Martin which is creating raves around the globe at the moment and to meet with Kurt, who promotes amazing art in UAE through the initiative, Swiss Art Gate UAE. I have been to see the works of a number of artists Kurt has brought to the UAE and Tash and I both loved what we saw at the World Luxury Expo in Burj Al Arab where Kurt had a number of paintings on display by George Classen.

George Classen, born 1942 in Lübben/Berlin, an early devotee of Albrecht Duerer, started his first graphic exercises by copying the famous engravings of the old german master from Nuremberg at the age of 7. It did not take him long, though, to indulge in his very own imaginative ideas, which he up to the present time did not cease to cherish and refine even further unto its most sublime limits. He was inspired by brilliant artworks of Picasso, Klimt and other masters of that time, but well-considered not to copy them, but to transform the inspiring impact to his own, unique style.

At the age of 13 he discovered his second passion, classical music, which from then on continued to dominate his search for perfection in the visual arts. The premature death of his father, however, annihilated the dream of pursuing a professional career in music and so one passion passed into the other. His obsession with music is well reflected in his very individualistic approach to the structure of his visual compositions. Circumstances demanded George Classen to leave West-Berlin for Frankfurt in pursue of a family-supporting profession with an american airline, however, he never abandoned his prime aim to serve the fine arts.

Exhibitions in Frankfurt, Hamburg, Berlin and Munich encouraged the artist in the late seventies, to exclusively dedicate his time and talent to painting alone, which decision became substantially enhanced and supported by his wife Eva, who in turn guided him to seek out for new impulses, motivation and inspiration and advised him of his abilities and failings.  Upon Eva’s enthusing George about Canada, where few of her family members were living, their honeymoon led them there in 1979. This journey should become a deciding turning point in their life.

Classen, at this time calling himself as a nervous and unsettled person, has been befallen of an, by then never known – absolute peace of mind in the north of Ontario. He experienced, as he is naming it, an initial experience, which let both to relocate from the Isar to the Ontario Lake.  Classen sent photos to interested places, where they had been so enthusiastc about his skills, that they invited him to Toronto in order to make a test-exhibition at the First Canadian Place. This perfect and very lucrative place let the artist encouraged to keep on reforming his already unique style, which by now endures, unperturbed by mainstream influences, as his own.

George Classen’s passion for music let the Toronto Galerist Kuchinski to commission a great series of paintings representing scenes of the grand operas of Giuseppe Verdi under the title “Hommage to Verdi”. On November 9 in 1989, when the fall of the Berlin Wall symbolized a drastic change for the whole world, George Classen’s long time desire to go back to his very own cultural roots started to take shape and resulted to his return to Germany in 1991. However, his new cultural environment in the eleven years of stay in North America enriched his artistic development though never neglecting his origins of European culture and his passionate love for 19th and early 20th century classical music.

In 2003, a family case of illness led George Classen and his wife Eva, who was born there, to Wels/Austria. The planned few months ended up in a permanent stay up to now due to various successful exhibitions in offical places as well as in his several art studios where he experienced the acceptance of the public. His very special style, that can absolutely cast a spell on the audience can draw the attention of people from very different heritage.

It seems that nowadays, with his 69 years, George forfeit nothing of his energy and motivation. Classic music always on his side, of course. More information about the artist and his work:www.georgeclassen.at or if you are in the UAE, speak with Kurt…he is friendly, sweet and always has a bowl of swiss chocolates on hand as you look through the paintings…I reckon that’s why Tash was so keen on going back to look at the paintings again 🙂

LEGENDARY TIFFANY DIAMOND IN DUBAI

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Diva with Michael J. Kowalski, Chairman and CEO of Tiffany & Co

Diva with Michael J. Kowalski, Chairman and CEO of Tiffany & Co

Women in Dubai were in seventh heaven yesterday…they got to see a spectacular diamond and jewellery exhibition by Tiffany to celebrate their 175th Anniversary.  Tiffany & Co. marked 175 years of design excellence with ‘A Legacy of Diamonds’ exhibition, featuring jewellery from the Tiffany Archives, surrounding the company’s greatest icon—the 128.54-carat Tiffany Diamond….i can’t express how beautiful this piece of jewellery was…breathtaking would be an understatement!

We also saw a contemporary collection of handcrafted jewellery featuring the gemstones the company first introduced—along with the world’s rarest colored diamonds. The Tiffany Diamond is the finest and most beautiful fancy yellow diamond ever discovered. Its transcendent beauty symbolizes Tiffany’s diamond heritage. In honor of the company’s anniversary, the priceless gem was reset in a dazzling diamond and platinum necklace of a graceful and modern elegance. Over a year in the making, the design of white diamonds totals over 100 carats and features 20 Lucida® diamonds and 58 brilliant-cut diamonds, with a mounting of 481 sparkling stones, each hand cut and set by skilled artisans.

I had a quick chat with Michael J. Kowalski, chairman and chief executive officer of Tiffany & Co who, much to our delight sees Dubai alongside Tokyo and Beijing as an international luxury retail destination and highlights the importance of this market to Tiffany’s global strategy.

Going back to the yellow diamond….it was discovered in the Kimberley diamond mines in South Africa in 1877, the 287.42-carat rough stone was acquired the following year by founder Charles Lewis Tiffany. The acquisition underscored Mr. Tiffany’s reputation as the “King of Diamonds” and made his enterprise the world’s diamond authority. The rough stone was cut into a cushion-shape brilliant weighing 128.54 carats. Cut to maximize its extraordinary color, the diamond sparkles as if lit by an inner flame.

The Tiffany Diamond was a highlight of the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago and the 1939–40 World’s Fair in New York City, and has been exhibited in museums worldwide. It is the centerpiece of the Legacy of Diamonds exhibition, which is based on three themes.

The Gilded Age (1876–1916) showcases the diamond jewels that Tiffany created during this opulent era, along with a diamond and emerald brooch from the French Crown Jewels that the company purchased in 1887. Inspired by Nature highlights the natural world as an important theme of Tiffany design, with archival botanical illustrations and the jewels they inspired, such as a chrysanthemum brooch of diamonds and pearls and an enameled orchid brooch that were included in Tiffany’s gold medal exhibit at the 1889 Paris World’s Fair. New York Glamour illuminates Tiffany as the crown jewel of the city, with diamonds that reflect the streamlined contours of its Art Deco skyscrapers.

If you are a Tiffany fan, you may want to explore the Legacy Gemstones of Tiffany, a collection of jewelry featuring the gemstones Tiffany introduced to the world: shimmering pink morganite, discovered in Madagasgar and named for American financier and gem collector John Pierpont Morgan; lilac-pink kunzite from California, named for Tiffany’s eminent gemologist Dr. George Frederick Kunz; tanzanite, found in Tanzania and coveted for its color that captures the blue of the ocean with flashes of violet; and tsavorite, also from Africa, distinguished by a rich green hue and invigorating spirit.

Tiffany’s fancy color diamonds are a marvel of nature, wondrous to behold. These most sought-after stones are distinguished by evenly saturated color and a cut that fully reveals their natural charisma. Among them are Tiffany Yellow Diamonds with a tantalizing colour that is as pure as sunlight; pink diamond rings that bloom like roses and blue diamond’s of an electrifying hue.

Mounted in custom settings of exquisite craftsmanship, these sparkling diamonds and gemstones are the latest jewels of a great tradition and the epitome of modern glamour and luxury…diva likes. Now where’s that Loverboy of mine – I reckon a trip to Tiffany is in order!

The Tiffany Diamond - Photo Credit: Carlton Davis

The Tiffany Diamond – Photo Credit: Carlton Davis

The Regal Elegance and aura of Maxim Artsinovich

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My favourite piece from MaximiliaN

My favourite piece from MaximiliaN

Maxim Artsinovich Shereen Shabnam Maxim’s jewellery designs are creatively intense just like him

Moments with Founder and President of The Jewellery House of MaximiliaN

I often meet inspiring individuals who lead incredibly hectic lifestyles but finally I have met the ideal man whose self-confessed vices are outweighed by all his good points and how amazing he is in all aspects of his life. He not only creates masterpieces, but can also be referred to as one with his unique persona, business acumen, creativity, heart breaking looks and out of this world charming disposition.

Seeing Maxim again now, I can’t help but highlight that the above mentioned amazing few qualities are just a tip on the iceberg when it comes to trying to do justice to the incredible skill and talent of this International Jeweller.

Russian born Maxim, who is also a Caribbean national embodies the best of all qualities a man can possess and more. One of the youngest jewelers in the world at 41 years, Maxim wears many hats as an entrepreneur but there is no doubt that when it comes to the high-end luxury market for cars, jewellery and the finer things in life, there is no better authority to consult than Maxim.

Coming from a family with five generations of military background meant that Maxim was disciplined and very focused on whatever he set his heart on. He started sketching at the age of six with a passion that gave him an edge well ahead in life – he started creating jewellery with materials he came across and treated, hence being able to give unique pieces to his first love.

After leaving the navy, Maxim was able to quench his creativity thirst with delving deeper into the world of jewellery before being recognized within the jewellery industry globally for his innovative ideas, in particular for his ‘I love you’ rings that serve as a unique calling card to women who touch his or the buyer’s heart…sigh!

Maxim’s romantic nature may have given him an edge to win and charm discerning clients hearts worldwide, but it is his astute financial decisions, founded by his knowledge of ‘on the mark’ marketing strategies that work, that have also helped him become a leading jeweller who is seen also as an authority on gemstones. As a designer, a trendsetter who trots the globe for inspiration and unique resources, every piece of MaximiliaN jewellery reflects the ethos of being a rare, priceless gem.

The presence of MaximiliaN in Dubai is no accident. Maxim recognizes the value and potential of Dubai and its location as the number one tourism destination that has the backing of a forward thinking Government. He points out how safe Dubai is and the joy in being able to do business with ease because of the structures set up for investors and the commercial sector that makes Dubai a leader in the world of commodities.

No matter what we talk about when we meet, Maxim always brings in his main passion, The Jewellery House of MaximiliaN that was founded in London as an international family of like-minded artists, designers and jewelers living in different countries. The brand has now positioned itself as an exclusive and prestigious Jewellery Retailer and is best known for its expertise, handmade craftsmanship, high quality gems and innovative precious stone settings.

Maxim firmly believes that he is not just designing jewellery, watches, accessories or clothes but creating the personal luxury lifestyle of his clients. This belief has placed MaximiliaN as one of the Top 10 Jewellery Houses of the World according to Robb report since 2007. His international designers around the world constantly create unique masterpieces to fit the standard of the Brand. Production teams are based in the world-famous jewelers regions such as New York, Lausanne, Pforzheim, Vicenza and Tokyo.

Although MaximiliaN operates in the Top 7 Cities for Fine Jewellery Sales, Dubai, London, New York, Paris, Geneva, Hong Kong, Singapore with plans in the next 5 years to expand to Shanghai, Beijing, Hong Kong and Tokyo, the brand also aims to have 40-60 point of sales in places where jet set clientele go to such as Miami, Aspen, Monte Carlo, San Tropez, Cannes, Biarritz etc.

The MaximiliaN Flagship Boutique on The Palm Jumeirah in Zabeel Saray Hotel attracts clients with unique taste who love the fact that 90% of MaximiliaN jewellery pieces are transformers. For instance, a tennis necklace can be adjusted to a bracelet or earrings etc. I tried one an amazing piece a few nights ago for the Arab Woman Awards and it was awesome.

Maxim is adamant about using exceptional Gemstones such as Burma Rubies, Colombian Emeralds, Kashmir and Burma Sapphires and Fancy Colored Diamonds are specialization and a Brand signature of MaximiliaN Jewellery House. All MaximiliaN Gem stones are certified by the Top 5 gemological laboratories.

MaximiliaN provides the most refined qualities of Western “Art de Vivre” to customers all around the World. The brand believes in establishing long-term relationships with customers in the way of forming Family Collection of rare gemstones and providing investment prices.

I have also come to know that Maxim is an ardent art collector.  Not long ago, he showcased the most significant gemstone artworks collection of Saint-Petersburg’s current school masters at the Museum. In fact, Maxim also collaborates with one designer a year to create a limited edition collection where every sign art piece is unique.

Maxim, with his warm nature naturally does a lot of CSR work. He is known to have donated one of his unique art pieces to the Hermitage Museum of Saint Petersburgh so that funds from its sale could be used for the reconstruction of a museum. I certainly appreciate people like him who have time for the science centre and museum industry. He also teaches students in Saint Petersburgh about modern jewellery design and regularly gets invited to give lectures on the sales and marketing of luxury goods and would also like to see his brand expand into other premium products like perfumes, clothes, watches and leather accessories. I’ve learnt a lot from Maxim in terms of strategic marketing and the importance of creating look and feel of media that portrays the high-end ethos of a brand.

Like me, Maxim is passionate about cars and I loved checking out his top of the range Audi that was designed by him and hence, customized to meet his discerning taste. He took me for a short spin and it was very much…Maxim :). The interior reflected his trendy but practical persona with luxury detailing that set my pulses racing. As a car lover, Maxim naturally goes for uniqueness and has a fond attachment to his 2007 Bugatti Veyron and his Bentley but I would say the Audi was just perfect for him.

The best bit that I love about Maxim – he runs about 4 marathons a year and does not smoke or drink any alcohol. Instead he focuses all his energy towards martial arts with disciplines like Kando, Sanse, karate and boxing. He inspired me to get up at 6am to get to the gym and getting me to do that is a mean feat for any man… I reckon Eric and Tash are still reeling from shock at seeing me tumble down the stairs in the mornings and wondering what has possessed me this time. Its must be hard living with someone like me who is so hard to figure out even after 17 years.

Another good example Maxim set for me is indulging in green tea. He made me get used to drinking this awesome tea he gets from abroad and now I am trying all the different green tea brands to see what I like most. It is so refreshing to meet someone like Maxim who can stand tall and do business at the highest levels internationally without feeling the need to drink or smoke socially. That shows pure confidence of a man who does what is best for him and his body and not what is expected of people in his line of work during social events.

Maxim likes to continue his healthy and holistic lifestyle while he travels around the world to take the MaximiliaN name to new locations around the globe and we certainly want him more in Dubai. A few nights ago, Maxim sponsored the Arab Woman’s Awards at the Jumeirah Zabeel Saray. I love the fact that he respects women this way and elevates them much more than just designing beautiful jewellery for them and I am glad I was there to support him.

It is such a pleasure to spend time in the company of such an inspiring individual who lives life to its maximum potential and makes no apologies for it. We can all learn a thing or two from him and for starters, I am making Maxim my new role model in terms of work ethics, healthy lifestyle, getting active in sports and making the most of life while I still am on planet earth….

Inspired by the energy and creativity of KALA

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Funky :)

Funky 🙂

“Fashion is art, where the needle is the brush and the fabric is the canvas.”

Young people these days inspire me. Last year, I met an incredible young designer, Sasi Kala at a Women to Women event who looked slightly older than Tash but in fact she is an established designer in Dubai who decided to take her passion for fashion a step further by studying fashion design.

Sasi is from Kerala and she ventured to Singapore to attend Raffles Design Institute. It meant 3 years of sleepless nights with projects and sewing but learning the art and history of designing was what she was born to do and use the knowledge for her designs.

I met Sasi once again after that for coffee and she told me how her first Spring Summer 2012 collection was accepted at the Dubai Fashion Week, as a New Generation Designer. I was delighted for her as she deserved it more than anyone I know.

The first store that started stocking her first collection was United Designers, which is amazing. They help give platform and recognition to young emerging designers.  Sasi also stocks at O Concept.

Her label KALA (meaning art in Sanskrit) has a unique identity that uses structure, draping and appliqué amongst other techniques. Every garment has a story behind them, in form of inspiration, process and fabrics.

My favourite has to be the Hidden Hippie collection. Anyone who knows me has come to accept the fact that I have no specific style or identity when it comes to my clothes. I wake up, drag myself to the wardrobe and come back looking like a bohemian, demure, desi, once in a blue moon corporate, slutty or totally contemporary where there is no rhyme or reason for the combinations that result in the end.

And I make no apologies for it….so KALA’s collections of clothes that showed a bit of rebel appealed heaps to me. Modern hippies may be in the corporate world blending in for the sake of propriety but as Sasi says, even if they are hidden they still believe in love, peace and freedom.

KALA went towards a minimal and a formal look for this collection. The main details for the collection are the chiffon ruffle, the circular dart and also peace symbols designed by KALA’

For her Spring Summer 2013 collection, the theme is ‘Andy Warhol’s Silver Factory’. The factory was a hip hangout for the artsy types and super stars. They all inspired Warhol in many ways. So this collection is inspired by those who inspired him. This is going to be a very fun and colorful collection so I look forward to it.

Sasi is definitely a designer to look out for… I have asked her to give us a sneak peek into her next collection…fingers crossed; you will see some cool stuff soon. One option is to get great deals on the exquisite designs from KALA on 8th December, 2-8pm at Villa 16, Hattan Street 2, Arabian Ranches. Enjoy!

Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) line-up for 2012

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One of the main attractions for DIFF other than watching cool movies we otherwise don’t get to see is getting up, close and personal with people we either idolize or just admire for the many roles they portray on and behind the silver screen. I met some awesome people last year. And from the moment I did a course locally with Icon Art Productions who later inspired me to enhance my writing skills to script writing/editing under Universal Film Makers as a fun hobby, the admiration for people working behind the screens has grown two-fold.

International celebrities flying into Dubai this December include: Academy Award winners Cate Blanchett, Colin Firth, Livia Firth, Frieda Pinto, Rooney Mara, Kirsten Davis, Amr Waked, Bryan Ferry, Suraj Sharma, Steve Oram, Cuba Gooding Jr., Jessica Mauboy, Shravanthi Sainath and Adil Hussain and Erica Linz.

A-list Arab celebrities gracing the red-carpet include: Laila Eloui, Nelly, Khaled El Nabawy, Ezzat Abu Ouf, Salah El Sadany, Hassan Hosny, Ghassan Masoud, Hany Ramzy, Mohamed Saad, Ahmed Rateb, Ghada Adel, Ragaa Al Gedawy, Sherine Adel, Maxime Khalil, Yosra Ellozy, Amir Karara, Sirine Abdel Nour, Nermine El Fikky, Caroline Khalil, Magdy El Hawary, Samer Ismael, Mehyar Khadour and Mounzer Rayhana.

And stars flocking to DIFF from the GCC include: Haya Abdulsalam, Jushoon, Ibrahim Al Habri, Souad Ali, Abdul Mohsen El Nemer, Salah Al-Mulla, Habib Ghuloom, Jaber Nagmoush, Abdulla Boushiri, Shimaa Ali, Zahra Arafat, Fatima Abdulrahim, Abdul Aziz Jassim, Mansour Al Feli, Mahmoud Bou Shahri, Fatma Alsafi, Yacoub Alsalili, and Basem Abdulamir. In addition Ahmad Al Braiky, Hamad Al Omani, Asmahan, Jamal Al Radhan, Yacoub Abdalla, Somoud, Abeer Al Jundi, Faisal Alamery, Aseel Omran, Buthaina Al Raisi, Reem Arahma and Haifa Hussein.

Audiences will also have the unique opportunity to meet established filmmakers along with exciting new talent including: Wayne Blair, Khairy Beshara, Abdulatif Abdulhamid, Nour Eddine Lakhmari, Haiffa Al Masour, Stephan Archinard, Brian A. Miller, Brillante Mendoza, Saul Williams, Andrew Adamson, Aron Warner, Feng Xiaogang, Takashi Miike, Nishtha Jain and Mostofa Sarwar Farooki.

The prestigious Muhr Awards have gone from strength to strength and this year will showcase a record number of films – an impressive 83 films will compete for over US$575, 000 in prize money across three categories – Muhr Emirati, Muhr Arab and Muhr AsiaAfrica. The line-up this year was selected from 2,100 submissions from 115 countries and is considered to the most remarkable, competitive and diverse selection to date. Arabic features will also be eligible for a variety of prestigious global awards including the FIPRESCI International Prize of the Critics Award.

DIFF’s outstanding competition juries this year consists of world-famous filmmakers, industry decision makers and onscreen talent who will come together to help judge the Muhr Arab, Asia Africa Awards include: Michael Apted, Kerry Fox, Bruno Barreto, Chang Dong Lee, Fatemeh Motamed-Arya, and Nayla Al Khaja.

DIFF will also present its Lifetime Achievement Awards to veteran Egyptian actor Mahmoud Abdul Aziz and prolific British director Michael Apted, who have both made commendable contributions to the world of cinema and inspired countless of people through their body of work….get ready for a week of great entertainment in Dubai.

UAE National Day and its significance to expats

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UAE flag

This weekend has been an eye-opener for me about how diversely international we are and how enriched our lives are because we live in a nation that has so many nationalities who are bound by one thing – the fact that they have chosen this amazing country to be their home over anywhere else in the world.

We had the biggest party on the planet at the Dubai Rugby 7s this weekend which is one place where we Fijians congregate and meet each other in the UAE once a year. I was watching my daughter who is half British and half Fijian cheering for both countries with equal vigour. Today it is equally beautiful to see her flying the UAE flag from the car as we go out and about because UAE is where she was born and has lived in all her life so she sees this as her main home. We have a home in Spain but we don’t feel the same way for the place the way we love UAE because our memories are all here. I am glad that my child has chosen to embrace all 3 cultures of Fiji, UAE and the UK instead of having an identity crisis that some half-baked psychologists once told me she would have because of the way I was exposing her to the world. (Sometimes I reckon the psychologists just manipulate people’s minds into believing negative stuff so they can serve their own needs or make a living without having to do much)

Anyway, while I bombarded the world with my Fijian tweets etc over the weekend, today I want it to be all about the UAE. Since the UAE was founded in 1971, it has succeeded in many arenas despite facing many difficult circumstances and many challenges. I am proud to be living in a country where the union has resulted in a successful federation that continues to grow from strength to strength. As my child treasures the UAE flag today in respect of the country she was born in, I see the colours of the flag as a symbol that represents this strength,  inspiring the citizens and the residents of the nation to keep the momentum in moving ahead in all spheres of life.

The celebrations we see today serves as a constant reminder to us of where UAE was 4 decades ago, where it is today and where it intends to go in the future. It helps to fully appreciate the momentous challenges the various Emirates and the nation has overcome to obtain records of achievement that is impressive by all standards…. I don’t know any country that has achieved what UAE has or any nation that takes such good care of its people the way this country does.

The rulers of this nation have also made sure the successes have an impact on everyone by improving basics like better living standards, infrastructure development, welfare-state entitlements, health and education. It is amazing how the various Emirates have grown from palm-huts coastal towns to modern buildings and then to iconic buildings that host businesses that make it a vibrant trade centre of the Middle East.

Keeping the ideals and values of the union intact is one of the most fundamental goals all UAE government leaders and while every UAE national day is reminder of what it has achieved as a nation, the celebrations today is one way to look back at history and marvel how technical developments have guided the embryonic UAE to its present prosperity, becoming the ultimate salute to the unification. As expats, we are privileged to enjoy the prosperity the unification has brought to this blessed country we are so attached to….and as my daughter’s birthplace, UAE will always be cherished in our hearts and minds – for the exposure Tash has had to so many cultures and nationalities here is the reason why she is growing up as an amazing and knowledgable young woman.

EIGHT THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THE V8 SUPERCARS

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With my favourite Formula 1 Driver Marussia F1 Team, Timo Glock


It’s finally here :). As the 2012 Formula 1TM Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix fast approaches, fan excitement is reaching fever pitch. In addition to the thrilling action of one of the most exciting F1 seasons to date, fans at Yas Marina Circuit will also experience all the bumper to bumper action of the V8 Supercars Championship, official support race of the 2012 Formula One Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix….I have my official shirt and cap to wear thanks to the gorgeous Timo Glock who is my current hero….and its signed :):):)

Our friends at Yas Marina are sending us latest updates and diva is smiling heaps as the excitement unfolds. Richard Cregan, Chief Executive Office of Yas Marina Circuit, host of the Formula 1TM Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix says the popularity of V8 Supercar is rising rapidly around the world.  The addition of the V8s as this year’s official support race adds a new dimension to the 2012 Formula One Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and he and his team are super proud to host them on what will be an action-packed weekend.

While based in Australia and hugely popular on home turf, V8 Supercars is developing a strong fan base both closer to home, in New Zealand as well as throughout the Middle East and in particular Abu Dhabi.

As the official support race for this year’s Formula 1TM Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, here are eight things to know about the V8s:

1)      From Australia to Abu Dhabi: V8 Supercars is a touring car racing category based in Australia and run as an International Series under Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) regulations – just like the Formula One Grand Prix.

2)      28 Drivers – 3 Races: This year, 28 drivers will go head to head and bumper to bumper in three V8 Supercar races during the F1 weekend, 2-4 November at Yas Marina Circuit.

3)      An International Season: The 2012 V8 Supercars Championship consists of 16 events across Australia, New Zealand and the Middle East including the racing at the 2012 Formula 1TM Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Next year they will debut at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas.

4)      An F1 First: This year’s races are the first time a points-paying V8 Supercars Championship event will be held on the same weekend as a Formula 1TM World Championship.

5)      Third Time’s a Charm: This upcoming weekend’s support races marks the third time the V8s have raced at Yas Marina Circuit. Previous V8 races at Yas Marina Circuit include the Yas V8 400 which was held both in 2011 and 2010.

6)      Going the Distance: This year’s support races will be the first time the V8 Supercars will race on the full 5.5-kilometre length of Yas Marina Circuit, after using a 4.7-kilometre version in previous races.

7)      Defending Champions: Winners of the 2011 Yas V8 400, set to defend their Yas Marina Circuit wins, are Jamie Whincup of TeamVodafone , who took top spot in Race 1 of last year’s Yas V8 400, and James Courtney of the Holden Racing Team who came in first in Race 2.

8)      Lean, Mean and Green: All V8 Supercars run on 85 percent CSR Ethanol, a renewable fuel made from the bi-product of the sugar refining process.

The qualifying session for the V8 Supercars will take place on Friday, 2 Nov., 15:00-15:20. Races 1 and 2 will take place on Saturday, 3 Nov, at 10:00-10:30 and 11:55-12:25, while the final race of the V8 Supercars will take place on Sunday 4 Nov, at 13:30-14:00….ENJOY!

I’m in love again -With Phantom Venus

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How beautiful is this :):):)


 Its awesome to always fall in love…that exhilarating feeling one gets and the best things one can fall in love with are of the non-breathing ilk ….no clutter, no heartbreak, no expectations…man, I could go on.

So when I called Alaa to tell him I am in love again, he naturally sighed with an OMG until I told him it was related to his latest note to us about the Rolls-Royce team’s new surprise, Phantom Venus – a one-of-a-kind motor car inspired by the legend of the Queen of Sheba.

Revered without parallel in Middle Eastern cultures, the story of Balqis, Queen of Sheba has been celebrated in a car that embodies the beauty and grace, intrinsic to the Queen’s legacy. Conceived, designed and crafted by the Bespoke team at the Home of Rolls-Royce in England, Phantom Series II Venus is adorned in ethereal White Pearl exterior, completed by Oak Burr veneer and Forest Fall leather – creating a luxurious interior ambiance without peer.

Hand-painted twin-coachline, finished with gold crown emblem, exclusive to Phantom Venus, elegantly illustrates a story that has been weaved through dynasties and mythology alike.

Geoff from Rolls Royce is naturally delighted tobe able to present a car here that so elegantly celebrates an incredible part of Middle Eastern folklore.

Perfectly complimenting the theme of the motor car, luxury goods house Asprey has created an exquisitely crafted handbag stitched in Seashell, finished in Forest Fall and White Pearl and embellished with the crown emblem. This exclusive piece perfectly encapsulates the story of a woman who ruled as both king and queen with authority and poise.

I’m actually not sure if I love the car more or the bag…. Not too bothered as they both give equal amounts of visual and mental pleasure to this diva!