Category: Retail Therapy

New respect for Samsung for helping Special Needs Students using New Technologies

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It’s been ages since I last saw Isphana of the Al Noor Centre for Special Needs – she used to be a fellow member of the Business Women’s Group so catching up with her recently was literally a blast from the past in its true sense.

We were talking about the ipad craze and Isphana mentioned how Samsung products were now being integrated into Al Noor’s Centre curriculum to empower students with special needs and help them learn more easily. I always admired Isphana’s commitment to developing trans-disciplinary training programmes as this was something we always strived to do at the Juliett McCully Speech Training Centre in KL and was a hot topic when I was training in our Singapore Head office in 1999.

Isphana’s hard work in these areas thankfully is being recognised and I was delighted to hear that she was a few years ago the recipient of the Princess Haya Awards for Special Education as the Outstanding Special Needs Centre in the U.A.E.

Going back to Samsung Gulf Electronics and Al Noor Training Center for Children with Special Needs, Isphana mentioned how committed Samsung was to provide products focusing on enabling students to learn more easily by integrating Samsung’s technologies in classrooms. She has the support of Mr. Young Soo Kim, President of Samsung Gulf Electronics who in fact has committed taking the partnership with Al Noor one step further by integrating our technologies and products into the curriculum.

This integration will tap into the students’ inherent capabilities to help them reach their full potential with the hope to create specific applications in the future to suit each student’s needs….how remarkable is that.

As part of a new Memorandum of Understanding, Samsung will play a holistic role to support the Center’s cause. Under the ‘Samsung Hope for Children’ program, Samsung will donate 50 of its latest GALAXY Tabs and 15 of its newly-launched SLATE PC Series 7. The devices will be integrated in the students’ education curriculums to help them learn more intuitively. Samsung will also help raise funds for the organization through its Ramadan campaign and the Al Noor-Samsung Fun Fair. Additionally, Samsung has developed a volunteer program whereby its employees will have the opportunity to contribute their time to Al Noor.

What impresses me most is that through its dedicated efforts, Samsung will provide students with tools, technologies and resources that will empower them and give them equal opportunities to be an integral part of the community. Well done Samsung and congratulations to Isphana for her commitment to children with special needs.

Firdaws Fashion Show with Her Highness Medni Kadyrova

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Last Saturday night I was a guest of The First Lady of the Chechen Republic, H.H. Medni Kadyrova, owner and founder of Firdaws Fashion House who is known internationally for her inner as well as outer beauty. 

 

The cool set up for the Fashion Show at Royal Mirage

H.H. Medni Kadyrova is a patron in the fashion world and believes in the importance of relentlessly polishing her own skills and those of all talented designers as the owner of the Firdaws Fashion House. She gets involved in the creativity process of the fascinating Firdaws collections from the onset – conception and designing – all the way through to the final touches including presenting breathtaking collections of art, which reflect the true Chechen spirit and style.

Thanks to my dear friend Thoraya Al Awadhi, I was able to experience first hand the fashion show at the Royal Mirage in the presence of H.H.Medni Kadirova, high level diplomats, celebrities and designers from the region including the renowned designers Zuhair Murad and Walid Atallah. My favourite evening dress is by Zuhair Murad so I was kicking myself for not wearing that for this show as he would have been super proud of seeing his designs being worn for an event like this…and he is so nice and down to earth like Walid Attalah – absolutely adore him and his gorgeous wife.

The were unique masterpieces of evening gowns and dresses for all occasions designed in traditional yet modern Islamic motives showcased on the catwalk, celebrating the beauty and elegance of Arab women in an array of beautiful classical pastel colours.

The designs are hand made from the finest silk and chiffon fabrics, and decorated with semi precious stones and beads. The collection combined the precious Chechen traditions and culture with the elegance of modern Haute Couture, to appeal to the region’s highly sophisticated and elegant women. Two magnificent performances by Vainakh, the national dance ensemble and Mezhieva, a national singer of the Chechen Republic, entertained the audience adding a touch of the rich Chechen culture to the event.

The First Lady of Chechnya is also known for her generous support and continuous efforts  in  supporting mothers and children living in the Chechen Republic through the “Akhmad-Hadji Kadyrov Regional Non-Governmental Foundation”…another great personality doing CSR and she is to watch out for on the global fashion scene.

To wrap up this wonderful and colorful show, the famous and renowned Lebanese singer Najwa Karam, wowed the audience with her astonishing voice, while celebrating the success of the inspiring Firdaws Fashion Show….i enjoyed the show but I wish it was Amr Diab performing instead of Najwa Karam…maybe I’m just very biased in my choice of music.

One of the designs


Artesian Water takes top position

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Weekend indulgence - ice-cream with FIJI water

A bizarre phone call from a middle aged woman left me smiling today asking what makes FIJI water one of the purest form of water on the planet (I’m getting close to 40 soon so I guess that would make me middle aged too although I like to think 40 is the new 20 and I’m just about to start my life with gusto).

Anyway, it was to ask if FIJI water really did keep you looking young and what was the big deal about artesian waters and the obsession by Hollywood stars to bee seen with one. Now I am no authority on waters but I have a penchant for enjoying FIJI Water because it reminds me of home and it has silica in natural form as well as Acqua Panna which also tastes so awesome.

The high rate of silica in Fiji Water supports the biological processes of the body. Silica is presented as regulating body temperature, carrying nutrients and oxygen to cells, helps remove waste from the body, dissolves nutrients and minerals, cushions joints and protects organs and body tissues. So its more for health reasons although I find that my skin has over the last 3 years improved heaps from drinking more water that happens to be mainly FIJI.

While most people in Dubai like Perrier or San Pellegrino, I merely put up with it because it happens to be available in most restaurants. I also like local water but when I have a choice, I always go for FIJI or Acqua Panna instead of Evian, Perrier or San Pellegrino.

I drink Acqua Panna more for the fresh revitalising taste and FIJI for beauty/health purposes. I recall getting a frantic call from a hotel asking where they could get Fiji water supplied for a Hollywood celebrity coming to Dubai as they risked losing the booking if they couldn’t supply FIJI water in the room. I pointed them to NTDE and started investigating why water from my country was such a HOT stuff amongst celebrities and I’m glad I did as now I’m sold into drinking FIJI water whenever I can.

According to US Food and Drug Administration FDA studies, FIJI’s artesian water comes from deep within the earth and never comes in contact with the air. (In fact, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, water from artesian aquifers often is purer than other water sources because the multiple strata of rock and clay provide a critical protective shield against potential contamination.)

In the case of FIJI Water, natural artesian pressure forces the water up and into a completely sealed bottling system, which has been designed to eliminate any contact with the environment….i guess that makes it super pure but whatever the case….I’m sticking to FIJI water and Acqua Panna and if it keeps me looking upbeat, young and energetic, then that’s a bonus!

Plastic money – prepaid provides relief

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Over a meal recently an old friend Anu who I met through the Business Women’s Group gave me an overview on what she’s working on and it happened to be a seminar focussed the inaugural Middle East Prepaid Awards organised alongside the third Prepaid Summit Middle East.

It is apparently an area that is increasing rapidly and as a consumer, I myself now prefer prepaid cards – whether its for phone or my internet USB flash key. I also decided to give my 11year old a prepaid credit card to buy apps for her ipad 2 and this was only possible because my bank had started a bling card that can be used by kids easily (Naturally I have had multiple heart attacks at the beginning when this chick thought using a card meant she could go crazy with it without mumsy knowing – but all the transactions came to my email and I soon put a stop to young NJD being plastic happy).

Apparently loads of banks and retailers were involved in the summit that was held at Westin. From AlShaya and Ibn Battuta gift cards to travel cards, it seems like the industry is going crazy over safe, controlled plastic money.

The inaugural Middle East Prepaid Awards was presented in association with Visa Inc, and recognised the most outstanding and innovative organisations and individuals operating within the industry when it came to prepaid cards…all I can say is that I’m glad my little tyke has plastic money with a limit on it or else I just can’t handle dealing with the expenses of another diva within the same house.

Innovative concept from Gulf Craft for outdoor entertaining space

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The dynamic guys at Gulf Craft Inc., the largest manufacturer of luxury yachts and fiberglass boats in the Middle East and Asia last Saturday showed VVIPs at its shipyard’s the largest ever hull construction – the Majesty 135.

I already wrote about the awesome 30th anniversary gala celebration we attended at Gulf Craft’s yacht manufacturing facility in the UAE … These guys know what they are doing and are the nicest, warmest people you will ever meet so its always a pleasure being with them.

The Majesty 105 is the latest in a series of revolutionary concepts created by Gulf Craft. It represents both, the degree of engineering, design and technological sophistication already achieved by the company during its three decades in the business as well as its ability to anticipate and meet the need for striking new superyacht concepts tailored to diverse cruising needs.

We had the exclusive opportunity to tour the striking blue-hulled, triple-decked superyacht which features 5 staterooms, including a luxurious owner’s stateroom, 2 crew cabins and one captain’s cabin, 8 bathrooms in addition to a dayhead. The Majesty 105 runs on 2 Caterpiller C32 rated engines and can reach top speeds of 27 knots.

The interiors are furnished in gold teak veneer with soft, light carpeting and furnishings in a sea-inspired colour scheme that gives a nod to Mediterranean elegance. Extensive exterior space – including an outdoor steering helm and a hard-topped sundeck fitted with comfortable sofa seating, a wet bar, fridge, icemaker and barbeque makes this the perfect yacht for outdoor entertaining.

Erwin Bamps, COO of Gulf Craft was of course in his element – rightly so as he has done an amazing job with all the arrangements for the unveiling of the Majesty 105.

According to Erwin, the Majesty 105 was conceptualized for the yacht owner who likes to spend the majority of his time above deck, With a steering helm on the sun deck and an interactive outdoor entertaining and lounging space, this is the sort of yacht that would allow you to spend time admiring the coast on an island-hopping itinerary or catch all the action moored alongside waterfront racing circuits like Yas Marina Circuit or the Circuit de Monaco. (I’m pretty sure my friends at Yas Marina will be delighted).

It was also superb to catch up with Sultan….a personality to watch out for in the future as he is one of the younger generation of Emiratis who will carry on the legacy and the amazing work of his family and forefathers. Especially as the younger generation have the support of industry stalwarts like Saeed Hareb, Nabil their teams and families.

All I can say is that this baby is awesome – I already tweeted some pictures of both Majesty 135 and Majesty 105 from the exclusive preview @Fijianchick. Enjoy!

With Saeed Hareb

Erwin Bamps, Saeed Hareb, Mohd Al Shaali & Nabil Farhat at the Majesty 105 launch


Novaro -The King of Modern Glass and The Royal Treasures Gallery

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Novaro pieces

Art Dubai is next week – I just received the most beautiful access card I’ve seen for any event so I was hoping to make this week more about PR World Congress, fanciful yachts belonging to members of our Millionaire Group plus about script writing and film making.

But Joelle had other ideas…..she wanted me to get in gear a week ahead and get a sneak peak into what Royal Treasures Gallery was up to. And boy I got some awesome insights – The Royal Treasures Gallery, host to the world’s finest crystal antiques and rare artifacts is announcing their partnership with Jean Claude Novaro, a French glass blower whose works have been snapped up by art connoisseurs….Joelle, loads of people heard of this here first!

Royal Treasures Gallery will launch this partnership through a 5 day exhibition at their Gallery, starting April 3rd – April 7th 2012 so do watch out for this perfect collaboration.

To give you a low down, Novaro, born in 1943, has worked with glass for more than 50 years. The artist  works on shapes but also on transformations due to the reaction of materials, adding enamels, metal oxides, inclusion of gold and silver sheet, coloring the surface or between two layers of clear glass.

As a result of the overwhelming response by the UAE’s antique and glass aficionados as well as artifact enthusiasts and following the success of the Royal Treasures Gallery inauguration before, Dinsha and Munchi Shroff, along with Manav Suri, their local partner, are thrilled with this new-fangled partnership with Jean Claude Novaro.

Novaro is widely acclaimed as the ‘King of Glass’ – his customer portfolio includes the likes of Mike Tyson and Sheikh Tariq Al Qassimi and he has also earned a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records for the largest hand blown coupe ever made.

Jean Claude Novaro’s unique and distinctive art-glass creations are highly valued and sought after by art connoisseurs all over the world. Several of the Frenchman’s creations are being displayed in museums, galleries and private collections around the world…..now Diva reckons that’s something to wait for patiently for the next couple of weeks…can you?

With Novaro

Xperia S and Armani moment

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Getting a preview of the new Sony Xperia at Armani Hotel

On my way home from office today I was tempted by Rhazi to check out the new Xperia S smartphone at Armani Hotel, Burj Khalifa. This was his way of convincing the gadget diva why I didn’t need to carry an iphone, a blackberry, an ipad, a MacBook Air +++ in my bag at all times.

Naturally I am not one to ignore checking out new stuff and Armani is one of my favourite venues. So while rushing to make it to my bellydancing class, I went to play with Sony’s new toy. (Man that sounds dodgy – I’m glad Sony is not a guy)

The demonstration of the feature-rich smartphone highlighted key functionalities such as the ‘connected entertainment experience’. Offering seamless connectivity between all devices whether smartphone, TV, laptop or tablet and PlayStation, it is ideal to share and enjoy content.

The Xperia S sports ‘Iconic Identity’ is an innovative transparent design element at the base, that creates a simple, strong, instantly recognizable look with illumination effects and integrated antenna components. The user interface has been restyled to match the minimalistic design of the hardware and the home screen features a new colorful flow background making full usage of HD Bravia Reality Display and dual-core processing power.

I tested the camera – it was almost the same as my current Sony that is 12MP. Xperia S is set to deliver a stunning viewing experience with a high resolution screen, full Sony Bravia HD, powerful 1.5GHz dual-core processor for faster performance and a 12MP camera with Exmor sensor that takes pictures in just 1.5 seconds from standby mode. Nice aye! Diva likes…..heaps!

While I’m not about to give up my iphone and Blackberry right now in a hurry, Xperia S may just tantalise my gadget hunger palette…its great for people who want to make a fashion statement too….I love the look!

I liked the white one...matches my personal Apple computer and my white BB

Nice stuff - image courtesy the Xperia team in Dubai

The awesomeness of Yas Marina

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How cool is this place - Image courtesy Yas Marina team

Whenever I venture towards Yas Island Abu Dhabi, people automatically think it is to fratenise with car manufacturers on the circuit – but diva is not only hooked on super cars….as an island girl, I love everything relating to the sea and my current favourite place to hang out in Abu Dhabi is the Yas Marina.

Now…it has been gut wrenching not tweeting or blogging about it but I did promise dear Jonathan when I do touch on it, it will be from the heart and I will talk about my adventures there from experience – unfortunately I have only been able to do whistle stop tours recently while testing the latest cars. (Yas Island is the best place to cruise around in open top convertibles in the evenings amongst other super cars that are there for a spin on the tracks).

Having orange juice with the GM of Yas Marina Cedric Le Rest during my lunch break at Radisson earlier in the year was the first time I got to know all about Yas Marina and the fabulous way its managed by Camper & Nicholsons Marinas. Samer from Yas as well joined us for a bit of laid back chat and between Samer, Cedric and Jonathan, I found out more about Yas Marina in that one hour than I had from all my adrenaline driven visits to the Yas Island.

Camper & Nicholsons is widely recognised to be one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious yachting business names, with origins dating back to 1782. The company has specialised in marina and waterfront development for over 40 years and has provided services to clients in more than 25 countries worldwide.

Their projects range from small marinas through to developments over 500 hectares. Camper & Nicholsons Marinas International Ltd is a wholly owned subsidiary of Camper & Nicholsons Marina Investments Limited, listed on the AIM of the London Stock Exchange. Camper & Nicholsons currently operate marinas in Abu Dhabi, Grenada, Italy, Malta and Turkey.

The guys at Camper & Nicholsons are awesome – they recently announced that berth occupancy has doubled in the last 6 months and Cedric believes its due to their extremely competitive annual berth rates – which now includes an F1TM berth.

The best bit here is the VIP Privilege Card that offers berth holders a variety of discounts and value added services to Yas Island facilities. The 2012 Annual Berth rates (starting from 16,455 AED inclusive of a berth at 2012 Formula 1™ week) and the 2012 Formula 1™ Etihad Airways Grand Prix berthing tariffs which start from 10,395 AED. One superyacht to have recently taken an annual berth at Yas Marina is the 95m Indian Empress.

The competitive tariffs, coupled with the success of Yas Island Show Weekends, featuring international superstars such as Madonna, Janet Jackson and Elton John have helped to reinforce Yas Marina’s position as an attractive home port for yachts of all sizes.

Yas Marina features a variety of dining and entertainment options ranging from fine dining at Cipriani or Yotto, to more casual settings like Stars ‘N’ Bars and the vibrant Allure Night Club by Cipriani. I absolutely love Cipriani and it was everything Cedric had said about it to me months before.

Located at the heart of the Yas Marina Circuit on Yas Island and located 10 minutes from Abu Dhabi International Airport, 20 minutes from central Abu Dhabi and 45 minutes from Dubai, Yas Marina has 143 berths for yachts up to 150m in size.  Visitors to the marina can enjoy easy access to pristine coastlines, 200 uninhabited islands and the nearby cosmopolitan cities…….looks like a place tailor made for diva!

11th Women’s Exhibition at Dubai Ladies Club

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After my JetPad introduction, I ventured to the Dubai Ladies Club for Tim Hortons & doughnuts with none other than Dubai’s Thoraya Al Awadhi. There are very few women I admire or am friends with but ever since I have met Thoraya, early last year, it has been a delight to catch up with her at her office (Squisito) for coffee or outside. Dubai may be full of beautiful women but its not often I come across women who are beautiful, intelligent, down to earth, grounded, successful while being family oriented as Thoraya which is why no matter how tired I am end of day, I never say no to meeting with her.

Yesterday I caught up with her at the 11th exhibition that she has organised for women and I absolutely loved the abayas, the jewellery and walked out with some herbal supplements. The exhibition is for women to showcase their creativity, talent and provide as well as receive guidance in business. Thoraya targets women, especially those above 40, whose children are grown up and who may have a lot of time on their hands, to recognise their talent and to help them realise this will make them become financially secure. The idea is to encourage them to utilise their skills and help those in need with the money they earn.

I remember how I was late getting to the Thoraya Alawadhi Group of Companies the first time as I had decided to try out the Rolls Royce Phantom of a friend and the petrol was on ‘E’ – we had underestimated how far it will take us. We reached her 20 minutes late and she was most gracious and forgiving about the fact that we drove 30miles an hour to get to her. Our coffee date had started on a humorous note – our mutual friend felt we both were very similar in many ways and should meet and its great we did.

I’m so glad for that introduction because Thoraya has become my role model and since meeting her, I have become more focussed on myself, my child and the time I spend with her just like Thoraya did over the years and her daughter (Najla Al Awadhi) is a well known intellectual personality in the UAE. Thoraya herself graduated from the University of Southern California as a historian. Imagine my delight when I heard that as the company I work for has a global travelling exhibition that looks back in history on the achievements and inventions of Muslim scholars during the golden age of Islam.

It’s always great to be able to talk about all kinds of subjects with Thoraya. Most of her current events are in aid of the Al Noor which is a school for special needs children. Thoraya organizes special events and exhibitions to raise awareness for children with special needs. I have been to her events and as a woman, I really appreciated the things on offer and meeting interesting people from all walks of life.

Our last chat was a discussion on the fact that civilisations should always be built on people and not on buildings. She loves the fact that the UAE Government spends as much on developing the skills and talents of the local people as on the beautiful architecture that visitors to the country are in awe of. She also encourages the growth of the younger generation having seen how successful her own children are.

My favourite project of Thoraya’s is one that she and her partner Miss Leen Vandle designed together – They designed and built a houseboat that is ideal to be attached to beach hotels. She has a model of this currently in Dubai. It is unique and beautiful and future concepts of the boat will also include the facility of being able to travel. The houseboat is a dream home for people who like to live on water (As an Islander and a Pisces, I can totally relate). The interiors are better than any five star hotel you can visit.

Thoraya looks years younger than her age. Her secret is being happy and able to realize her dreams. Doing yoga also helps her with balancing her thoughts and keep her energy levels up. Especially as she gets up early to get her youngest daughter, Yasmeen up for school so her days starts at the same time – this is one thing I am so bad at. I definitely am not a morning person so I admire people who can start the day early with so much vigour. If you have time, do go and see Thoraya’s amazing exhibition tailored for women at the Dubai Ladies Club….its on until the evening of the 8th of March. Enjoy

International Women’s Day

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Most days when I venture into Fauchon, its usually to satisfy my sweet cravings – they have the best desserts – ones that just melt in your mouth. This time however it was for the pre-celebration of International Women’s Day (which is on March 8th) at Mall of the Emirates (MOE). MOE has launched a ten-day campaign “It’s a Women’s World this March at MOE” from March 1st -10th to honour women in the UAE and throughout the Middle East and us girls hung out at Fauchon to kick start the celebrations well head of time. Since my birthday is on the 2nd, I’ve already started celebrating March with full vigour.

Embracing the official International Women’s Day theme,“Connecting Girls, Inspiring Futures,” MOE has decided to honour five diverse women in Dubai who, through their own inspiring stories and commitment to charitable work, reflect the strong, independent and admirable qualities underlying the campaign.

From 1st to 10th March, MOE offers a Style Guide featuring on-trend fashion tips for the season and retail offers has been specially created for shoppers. The Guide lists offers across a number of the mall’s stores with offers ranging from Kurt Geiger, Harvey Nichols, DVF, See by Chloe, Sephora, Pullman and Kempinski Hotels, and Armani Café, just to name a few….delightful.

The women chosen to represent the campaign for their admirable qualities, achievements, challenges overcome and their tremendous dedication to charitable works are: Ayesha Kelaif in support of the Dubai Animal Rescue Centre (DARC), treating and fostering abandoned animals in the UAE; Lama Bazzari in support of NStyle Internationals’ Give N Style, empowering women through education; Ebtisam Abdulaziz in support of START, using art to heal and educate poor children in the Middle East; Saher Shaikh in support of Adopt-a-Camp, providing supplies and assistance to laborers; and Katrina Thornely in support of Emirates Arthritis Foundation, generating awareness and providing financial assistance to arthritis patients.

Diva likes and supports people who do CSR and community work….hence the special blog for women who I admire for the said causes.

International Women’s Day is celebrated throughout the world to inspire women and to celebrate their remarkable achievements. Mall of the Emirates is certainly celebrating the diversity of women throughout Dubai with all their awesome promotions…..some serious retail therapy is in order girls!