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Bahrain to host the Second Expo Sciences Asia 2012

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Bahrain Science Centre collaborates with MILSET to promote science culture in Expo

 The Kingdom of Bahrain is hosting the Second Expo Sciences Asia until 12 April 2012 at Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre (BIECC). Organized by Bahrain’s Ministry of Human Rights and Social Development and MILSET Asia, the international event will have a variety of activities including cultural and scientific visits; leisure activities; exhibition of projects and workshops.

Held every two years, Expo Sciences Asia aims to promote scientific projects created by children and young people around the Asian region through an exhibition in a multi-cultural environment, also allowing the participation of institutions that want to assist young people in their projects. The First Expo Sciences Asia was held in Kuwait in April 2010.

Contributing to scientific culture, non-formal science education and awareness programmes in the region, Bahrain Science Centre which falls under the Ministry of Human Rights and Social Development plays a leading role in bringing this event to Bahrain. Assistant Undersecretary of Community Development Mr. Khalid Ishaq from Bahrain’s Ministry of Human Rights and Social Development is the member of MILSET Asia board.

Commenting on the event Mr. Ishaq said, “MILSET gives a platform for young people to exchange ideas and make most of their creations; discuss with researchers, youth leaders and industrialists. Bahrain Ministry of Human Rights and Social Development’s collaboration with MILSET is another initiative in the development of scientific and technical education in the Kingdom.”

Promoting awareness of the importance of science and technology, a group of young scientists headed by Mrs. Amal Albuflasa, from the new state-of-the-art Bahrain Science Centre (BSC) will showcase their project at the exhibition. Focusing on hands-on learning using interactive displays and people-centred programmes, such as science shows, Bahrain Science Centre strongly encourages creativity and innovation as well as cross-generational learning. The science centre also endeavours to create an awareness of Bahrain’s contributions to science and technology.

Commenting of their participation Mrs. Albuflasa said, “Children can learn science and should have the opportunity to become scientifically literate. In order for this learning to happen, the effort to introduce children to the essential experiences of science inquiry and explorations must begin at an early age.” “Our participation at Second Expo Sciences Asia 2012 gives this platform to children where they learn the process of finding out and a system for organizing and reporting discoveries and a way of thinking and trying to understand the world”, added Albuflasa.

Bahrain Science Centre is an interactive educational facility that targets children, youth and families of Bahrain. It is located in a three-storey building at 697 Riyadh Avenue, Isa Town, near the Manama/Salmabad intersection. The science centre has six interactive exhibition galleries, an auditorium, four laboratories and a café/shop. The role of the Bahrain Science Centre is to promote awareness of the importance of science and technology, complement the school curriculum, stimulate curiosity and innovation, and create a forum for public debate on science and technology issues.

Leading Arab CEO’s get recognised

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With Prince Dr. Abdul Aziz Bin Mohammed Bin Ayaf Miqren, Mayor of Riyadh

 Burj Al Arab was a hot spot and buzzing this week….the ex President of my University who is also the former Deputy Prime Minister, Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim was in town to speak at the 9th Leading CEO Conference that honoured the most dynamic and inspirational CEO’s that have made a difference.

I had caught up with Dato’ Anwar earlier this month at the World PR Congress and his dynamism over the years has not changed one bit – he has the same energy as I remember when he gave us talks at the University and his home whenever he invited us over for iftar during Ramadan in Kuala Lumpur. It was apt that he gave the awards to leaders who have made significant contributions towards the development of the region’s economic growth and progress.

It was great to see such a great representation from Saudi Arabia as well – the Saudi Arabian Ambassador to UAE was beaming with delight when I said hello to him after the awards. It was awesome to meet so many global experts and leaders in an intimate setting under one roof at Burj Al Arab with  a lot of familiar faces thanks to the dynamism and hard work of Ali Al Kamali, Managing Director, Middle East Excellence Awards Institute.

It was also cool to catch up with Sunny Varkey from GEMs – I first met him in 2000 when he laid out plans for where he wanted to be in 10 years – although I only bump into him once every couple of years since then, its awesome to see that he achieved what he set out to do and more. Well deserved award I must say.

To give you an insight, see the CEOs who walked away with the awards.

Government CEO Excellence Award: Prince Dr. Abdul Aziz Bin Mohammed Bin Ayaf Miqren, Mayor of Riyadh City, KSA

Service Industry CEO Excellence Award: H.E Sheikh Saleh Bin Abdulrahman Al Hassin CEO General Presidency OF Two Holy Mosques

Industrial CEO Excellence Award: Abdulla Jassim M Kalban President & CEO Dubal.ae

Banking and Finance CEO Excellence Award: Mr. Ali Shareef Al-Emadi Group CEO Qatar National Bank

Aviation Industry CEO Excellence Award: Mr. Khalifa Al Zaffin Executive Chairman, Dubai Aviation City Corporation

Maritime Construction and Engineering CEO Excellence Award: Eng. Yasser Nasr Zaghloul CEO National Marine Dredging Company

Knowledge Development and Education Partnership CEO Excellence Award: Sunny Varkey, Chairman, Varkey Group and GEMS group of schools

Multiple Industry CEO Excellence Award: Jamal Majid Bin Thaniah Non-Executive Vice Chairman, DP World & Group CEO, Port & Free Zone World

Woman CEO Excellence Award: Salma Ali Saif Bin Hareb CEO, Economic Zones World

Corporate Management CEO Excellence Award: Eng. Saud Al Daweesh CEO STC

Community Service CEO Excellence Award: Ahmed Humaid Al Mazrouai Chairman RCA

The Middle East Excellence Awards Institute has always persevered to recognize, honor and promote the achievements of the region’s leaders and organizations and commended their outstanding performance and commitment to excellence….another superb ceremony by Ali.

Moonlight & Roses with Sacoor Brothers

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With Derek Khan - Dubai's very own fashion icon

I reckon with hand on heart, we can say and agree that the Dubai World Cup is the most celebrated event in this city no matter which next big thing comes to town temporarily. This year was no different – celebrations started a week ahead and my favourite venue (Armani Hotel) was the place selected by the Sacoor Brothers for their pre World Cup party. For the uninitiated, Sacoor Brothers, is a leading international fashion and lifestyle brand based out of Portugal and they certainly brought the excitement and glamour of the races to Dubai an evening earlier by hosting their first Moonlight & Roses party on the eve of the World Cup.

Held at Oasi, the Moonlight & Roses themed party stayed true to the much admired Sacoor Brothers style and refinement with over 400 elegantly dressed guests treated to an evening of romance and sophistication as twinkling candles glistened in the moonlight and revellers danced under the stars. For guests in search of a hint or two of their favourite fashion brand and its unique customer service, Sacoor Brothers did not disappoint, models were beautifully dressed in the new spring / summer 2012 collection and guests honoured with deliciously refreshing bespoke cocktails.

As Moez says, ‘Dubai is a city filled with people who appreciate fine fashion and enjoy good company and bringing the Sacoor Brothers Party to the region was a natural choice.”….I first met Moez with his brothers early last year and at that time the brand was just getting known in Dubai….today Sacoor Brothers has 9 stores in the UAE and 10 stores in the GCC. Its no surprise they have made their mark here as their clothes are awesome….NJD will vouch for that.

Although my daughter is a bigger fan than I am of the Sacoor Brothers clothes, I have to say even I loved what I saw a few nights ago at Armani….I’m just glad NJD was not with me or else I would have had to take her shopping and the last thing I need right now is to have my credit card smoking because of little diva.

Although the next World Cup is a while away, its worth checking out the new collection at Sacoor Brothers….enjoy!

NJD in her favourite Sacoor Brothers shirt at a Polo tournament

Love the Sacoor Brothers logo...clearly I'm still not totally ready for this trend of taking pics as you enter every event in town

Admiring Sami Yusuf and his support for WFP

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With Sami Yusuf in Dubai

Although I meet some amazing people on a regular basis in Dubai, generally they remain the toast of the hour and get over my head as soon as I leave the room…..very few leave a lasting impression on this diva and I have to say, Sami Yusuf is someone who has left me thinking of what really is important for the needy people of the world and development of the young in areas needing humanitarian assistance.

Most people associate this British singer-songwriter, composer, producer and an accomplished musician with his good looks and celebrity persona so it’s heartening to know this other side of him dedicated to CSR work with the United Nations World Food Programme. You just have to look at samiyusufofficial.com to see how many people adore him.

According to Sami, 1 in 7 people go to bed hungry each night and every 6 seconds a child dies from hunger. What is great about the UAE and Dubai is that they are always the first to come to the rescue of countries needing emergency assistance so it’s no surprise that currently the DIHAD conference and exhibition is going on here, with participation from key international humanitarians including Sami, who is officially the international artist and United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) Celebrity Partner.

Sami encourages young people like us to become direct agents and contributors to humanitarian change. (Notice I am calling myself young…pretty sure in a couple of years I won’t be able to do that so I’ll milk this for all its worth now :). I was introduced to Sami by the dynamic Nada and had the chance to have a quick chat with the wonderful Elise from the United Nations World Food programme who is delighted with Sami highlighting the importance of youth in humanitarian assistance and development activities, especially for WFP.

Sami encourages the youth to use their creativity, be ambitious and innovate as he rightly says that one does not need to be old or rich or in the field to make a difference.  “You just need to utilize the gifts you have and put them into action.” According to Sami, as little as 50 U.S. cents (approximately AED 2) can enable WFP to feed one person for one day in the Horn of Africa. It costs US$50 (approximately AED 200) to feed a schoolgirl for one whole year; similar to the cost of one iPod shuffle.

Also thanks to individuals like Dr. Abdul Salam Al Madani, the Executive Chairman of DIHAD, many celebrities and popular figures come forward to take part in DIHAD. It’s great that Sami supports WFP as it helps feed over 90 million people in more than 70 countries. How commendable is that?

All I can say is that sometimes its good to take a step back and think of others who are not as fortunate as us – it was a pleasure meeting with Sami and listening to him but mostly admiring him as a rising artist to take time out to support this cause that makes such a difference to so many people via WFP.

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.

Exciting new science centre to be launched in Bahrain

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Children interacting at the new state-of-the-art Bahrain Science Centre

Bahrain’s Ministry of Human Rights and Social Development has appointed MTE Studios to run operations of the Bahrain Science Centre which is slated to open soon to public. Experts in Science Centre and Museums operations and management, the company has been awarded a two year contract for Commissioning and Operating the new state-of-the-art Bahrain Science Center (BSC). According to the Minister of Human Rights and Social Development, Fatima Al Beloushi, the science centre will fall under the Directorate of Family and Childhood Development in her Ministry, and will contribute to formal and non-formal science education and awareness programmes in Bahrain. Khalid Ishaq, Assistant Undersecretary of Community Development of Bahrain’s Ministry of Human Rights and Social Development said, “Importance of science centres to the community and education is undebatable. Our aim is to strengthen the science and technology culture of Bahrain by engaging young people, and their families, in activities that excite their interest in science, technology and engineering.” The Ministry has awarded a two-year contract to MTE Studios to develop the science centre. MTE Studios is a consultancy company that specializes in the conceptualization, design, development and operation of science centres, museums, visitor centres and other edutainment destinations. One of their most recent projects was the development of the Museum of Science and Technology in Islam at the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology in Saudi Arabia. Commenting on the appointment, Ishaq said, “We are excited to open the centre soon and collaborate with MTE Studios, whom we have identified as an experienced and valuable partner for our new Science Centre. We are confident that their extensive experience in operating Science Centre’s will help us achieve our goal in the accomplishment of social cohesion and attract the young generation towards science education and research. We look forward to the launch and success of the new centre.” “We are delighted to be awarded this contract as we believe that a science centre will contribute strongly to the Ministry’s social development programmes”, says the CEO of MTE Studios, Ludo Verheyen. “It has been shown worldwide that science centres are one of the most effective ways of bringing science and technology into the mainstream of society and strengthening a country’s science culture”, added Verheyen. Over 2 500 interactive science centres have been established in more than 90 countries worldwide, and they receive over 310 million visitors per year. Globally, science centres and interactive museums have taken the lead in hands-on, inquiry-based learning, and have achieved a high trust rate for the accuracy of the information that they convey. The Bahrain Science Centre will be an active participant in this worldwide community of science centres. “Science centres play many important roles in society”, says Professor Mike Bruton, Director of Imagineering at MTE Studios and the Consultant Director of the new Science Centre. “These roles include promoting awareness of science and technology among the youth, families and adults, supporting the school curriculum in science, mathematics and technology, and creating a forum for public debate on topical science and technology issues.” School Groups will be formally invited to the Bahrain Science Centre from middle of April onwards. The target audience of the Bahrain Science Centre will be children as well as families and adults, and one of its most important roles will be to promote cross-generational learning between children and their parents and grandparents. The science centre will also endeavour to promote social engagement across different cultures as well as an ethos of lifelong learning.

Quirky Habits

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Part of my miniature perfume collection

A friend walked into my kitchen, saw fridge magnets on two huge refrigerators in the kitchen and concluded that collecting magnets has to be my most quirky habit. Of course I didn’t tell her that I have two very big refrigerators in my kitchen not because I need them but the fridge magnets have to go somewhere and I couldn’t think of anywhere else creative to display them.

I’m sure plenty of friends have been been victims of this hobby of mine as I return armed with a bundle of fridge magnets from my travels. But fridge magnets are not all that I collect.

My biggest passion is collecting miniature bottles of perfume. I started this about 12 years ago fuelled further by Eric’s then habit of indulging me with whatever my heart desired and my heart still to this day desires cute little bottles of perfumes of all sorts. I have a collection already and continue adding to it while enjoying the more favourite scents.

Fridge magnets are still something I get wherever I go but miniature perfumes continue to be a passion that I love – I’m certainly glad that collecting Louis Vuittons and Jimmy Choos were very short lived addictions. Can you imagine if I continued that with the same vigour as I do collecting fridge magnets and miniature perfumes. I would feel very sorry for my smoking plastic card.

Funnily enough NJD has a habit of collecting stones for her memory chest…she does this without realising that every country we have been to, she has always returned with a stone which she forgets about afterwards as it lies around the house. As long as it does not translate into other kinds of stones like diamonds and emeralds which is very likely considering the diva qualities emerging from the little tyke, I shall keep mum about it…literally. I’m resigned to pick stones around the house with my mouth shut.

Lets just hope that there are no other quirky habits I have that I am not aware of…someone said I use the words ‘heaps’, ‘baby’, ‘sweetie’ ‘aye’ and ‘honeybunch’ way too much…does that count as a quirky habit too?

Fridge magnets...how jumbled up is that?

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


With H.H Sheikha Hind Al Qassimi of the UAE Business Women Council

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With H.H Sheikha Hind last night

One of the nicest people I meet regularly through my local foster family is H.H Sheikha Hind Al Qassimi, Chairperson of the UAE Business Women Council so it was awesome to renew contact with her again last night with Sahar Madani, President of the Diplomatic Ladies in Dubai at the opening of Madi International’s new showroom.

As we know very well as women, Madi International is one of the Middle East’s leading distributors of internationally reputed professional salon Furnishing, beauty equipment and beauty Brands for Salons, Spas, Beauty Centers and Beauty Clinics – we come across the name every time we go to a salon or spa in the UAE.

The opening of Madi International’s biggest showroom was done by H.H Sheikha Hind Al Qassimi and Sahar Madani, both amazing and friendly women who continuously inspire me with their energy. I caught up with Sahar 2 weeks ago when Princess Ameerah was visiting for the dinner Sahar organised for women empowerment and its awesome to see her getting involved in all industries relating to women and organising events that we have all come to love as women living here.

With Sahar Madani, President of Diplomatic Ladies, Dubai

Naturally we were overwhelmed by Madi International’s new showroom – Mohammed Madi told me its  spread across a whopping 9,000-plus square feet and showcases all the leading beauty brands in hair care, skin care, nail care, make-up, salon & Spa furniture and equipment, among others. It truly is a one-stop-shop destination which caters exclusively to the beauty and wellness needs of consumers from the latest collections and styles  available.

As I was rushing out to a Chechen fashion show by Firdaws with another role model of mine, Thoraya Al Awadhi, I couldn’t meet Adnan Abou-naaj, GM of Madi International to ask him about the new identity of the company that makes the stores look vibrant with a more dynamic brand image. As a PR chick, I am interested to see how this was evolved from what they had before. Maybe next time.

All I can say is that from what I saw in the showroom, the UAE women are in for a treat the next time they venture out to beauty salons, clinics & spas that take on Madi products as they look awesome. My personal favourite is the black leather reclining chair for the hair wash – check it out. 🙂

Mohammed Madi opens his showroom with H.H Sheikha Hind Al Qassimi and Sahar Madani

Healing Juices….make it a habit

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My first encyclopedia of healing juices that I've lent to many friends for inspiration and ideas

One of the healthiest things I started 2 years ago inspired by a book and my hydrotherapist was starting my mornings with juicing.

Armed with a juicer and an encyclopedia on juicing, I also encouraged my near and dear friends to follow suit and now its great to see them wake up every morning and juice the life out of various fruits and vegetables.

Its a legacy I’m leaving my closest friends and family so that even if they are far from me or travelling, I shall always be on their mind as the one who inspired them to take juicing seriously as an everyday habit.

My favourite combination for the morning juice is a mixture of carrots, cucumbers, celery, apples, ginger, orange and beetroot.

Couple of weeks ago I stayed at Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri and to my delight, a mobile juice cart came to my table at Sofra restaurant on both mornings and the waiter had a long chat with me about different combinations he does for guests as well. His recipes were awesome.

On my birthday I went to the Dubai Shangri-La for a chilled out breakfast and was thrilled to see they also started a juice station which I looked forward to the next morning…they made some delicious smoothies as well as power juices.

There are so many benefits of juicing. I also bought my baby sister a juicer last year which I hope she’s using.

Here’s to a healthier and vibrant lifestyle with juicing and to friends and family who will always be bound by this tradition.