Emirates Airline Festival of Literature Personality of the Year Award

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Hot off the press – it’s buzzing at the Emirates Festival of Literature and Poet Ousha bint Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Suwaidi, pioneering Emirati women’s poet, dubbed “Girl of the Arabs” by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, today received the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature 2014 Personality of the Year award.

Dr. Rafia Ghubash, founder of the Women’s Museum, UAE, and Al Suwaidi’s biographer, accepted the award on her behalf from Festival Director Isobel Abulhoul at a ceremony held this afternoon.

Ousha bint Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Suwaidi began reciting poetry when she was 15 and soon started writing poems herself on a variety of subjects including wisdom, patriotism and love. Most of her poems are written in classical Arabic and draw on her surroundings and the local environment.

Al Suwaidi gained recognition from the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan who commended her for her work in highlighting the Emirates and the local language through her poems. Later in her career, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum conducted a series of poetry recitals with her and Dr. Rafia Ghubash’s Women’s Museum has an entire floor dedicated to her work. Her most famous national poem and the very last poem written by her are also stored in the museum.

The Personality of the Year Award is given annually ‘in recognition of a major contribution toward fostering literacy, education and love of literature in all its forms.’  Last year it was awarded to Her Excellency Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Founder and CEO of Kalimat publishing house. The award was previously given to HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed, Chairman of Emirates Airline and leading businessman and humanitarian, Juma Al Majid.

Francesca Simon at Emirates Festival of Literature

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Tash with Francesca Simon

Tash with Francesca Simon

One of Little Diva’s favourite obsession over a long period was a series of books done by Francesca Simon, in particular her excitement over the character Horrid Henry. She is currently at the Emirates Festival of Literature and we both got to interview her about her books, her writing methods and her future plans.
She is best known as the author of the internationally bestselling Horrid Henry books, which have sold millions of copies worldwide, have been translated into 27 languages, and have been adapted for television by CITV. She attributes the success of Horrid Henry to his “outlaw” character and children enjoying reading about “a child who always acts on impulse and never worries about the consequences.”

Francesca told us her inspirations came from reading comic books as a child. She was born in the United States and attended both Yale and Oxford universities, studying medieval history and literature. For ten years she worked as a freelance journalist. She now writes full-time and has written more than 50 books for children of different ages. Tash asked her about her day as a writer and she tells us that she writes about 500 words a day and gets inspiration from everywhere and in particular from funny stories and Roald Dahl.

Her latest books for older readers, The Sleeping Army and The Lost Gods, depict a world in which the Norse gods are still very much active, pursuing celebrity in modern Britain while still finding time to battle frost giants. This new series has been praised by Eoin Colfer as ‘breathtaking, magical storytelling’.

Francesca is loving the Emirates Festival of Literature and enjoying meeting people from all over the world. She is thrilled that people have come from Bahrain or driven all the way from Abu Dhabi. She is looking forward to her books for older children and Tash is naturally excited about it. If you are at the festival now, Francesca will be in a session at 10am on 21st century vikings.

Strong presence of local exhibitors to boost Paperworld Middle East

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Just checked out Paperworld Middle East and what is evident is the strong participation from UAE brands. Reputed as the premier business show window into the ever-growing Middle East market for paper and office products, Paperworld Middle East is viewed as an ideal launch pad into wider markets in the region and beyond by UAE-based companies.

Prominent among UAE-based exhibitors looking to spread their wings is Paperworld Middle East launch partner, Farook International Stationery. Leading suppliers of stationery, office and school supplies, as well as diaries, envelopes and hobby items, Farook International will be looking at strengthening their presence across the region, with a strong emphasis on their “Made in UAE” products. Farook International has been in operation for 34 years and is a strong advocate for the development of UAE born enterprises

Also launch partners, April Fine will be at Paperworld Middle East 2014 with an even larger stand than previously. April’s core business is in the production, marketing and sale of pulp and premium wood- free paper and they will be showcasing their latest product ranges at the exhibition.

This was my 3rd visit to the show over the last 3 years. Other local companies for the 2014 edition include Al Dana, Al Fahidi, Al Gurg Stationery, Al Najmah Stationery, April Fine Paper Trading Middle East, Capital Envelopes, Clips Trading, Dubai Library Distributors, Najmath Al Amana Stationery and Papyrus Stationery LLC.

The Paperworld brand has been exported from Frankfurt to regions of importance to the sector around the world. The result is a global network of regional events that brings together demand and supply to the benefit of both exhibitors and visitors.

 

Dubai International Boat Show 2014 Opens Tomorrow

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Dubai Boatshow 2014 Shereen Shabnam

Diva is excited – for two years in a row the Millionaire Group has supported the Dubai International Boat Show and the 22nd edition of the show opens tomorrow, providing a wide range of activities including exciting prize giveaways, live entertainment, and exclusive dining experiences, along with convenient parking and public transportation. The show will be held from 4-8 March 2014 at the Dubai International Marine Club – Mina Seyahi.

I met with the key organisers and sponsors last week at DIMC and they mentioned that more than 26,000 visitors from the 70 countries are set to attend the region’s largest marine leisure exhibition. Visitors can expect to be enthralled by the 430 boats on display, including 19 superyachts at the stunning outdoor Marina Display Area. The SYBAss Lounge, which falls under the umbrella of the prestigious Superyacht Builders Association (SYBAss), has 10 members confirmed to participate at the event.

I can’t wait to take Tash to the show again as being half an islander, she shares my passion for the sun, sea and sand, Fiji style. Especially since two of the largest superyachts in the history of the Dubai International Boat Show will be showcased on outdoor Marina Display Area. The 88.5-metre-long superyacht Nirvana, built by Oceanco and exhibited by Edmiston, is one of the world’s top 50 longest superyachts and the exhibition’s largest-ever superyacht to date. The 88 metre Quattroelle superyacht, built by German shipyard Lürssen, will also be showcased this year. The luxury superyacht features elegant accommodation for up to 12 guests and provides plenty of exterior deck space for entertainment and relaxation.

The show will host 42 global and regional launches including regional launches of the 13.5-meter Cranchi, an 11-meter boat from Christ Craft, the 12-meter Everglade by Gulf Yachts, the 8.9 meter Qs855 Activ from Delma Marine, amphibious quad skis from Gibbs Sports, and the first-ever amphibious ribs from ASIS Boats. My favourite people from the Al Shaali families will be there in full force. Watch out for Gulf Craft and As Marine – they are super nice people and Erwin Bamps from Gulf Craft is always the person in the know about what the local boat makers have in store for the boating enthusiasts. 

Of the show’s 750 exhibiting companies and brands from 50 countries around the world, many are putting an increased emphasis on small to medium sized boats, speed boats, and jet skis for visitors looking to pursue leisure marine activities. Thrill-seekers can explore jet skis and diving equipment, along with countries promoting their destinations for boating, jet skiing, snorkelling and diving.

The event will be open to trade visitors and the general public from 3 pm – 9:30 pm daily, with admission of AED 60….see you there.

Dubai International Boat Show 2014 Opens Tomorrow

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Dubai Boatshow 2014 Shereen Shabnam

Diva is excited – for two years in a row the Millionaire Group has supported the Dubai International Boat Show and the 22nd edition of the show opens tomorrow, providing a wide range of activities including exciting prize giveaways, live entertainment, and exclusive dining experiences, along with convenient parking and public transportation. The show will be held from 4-8 March 2014 at the Dubai International Marine Club – Mina Seyahi.

I met with the key organisers and sponsors last week at DIMC and they mentioned that more than 26,000 visitors from the 70 countries are set to attend the region’s largest marine leisure exhibition. Visitors can expect to be enthralled by the 430 boats on display, including 19 superyachts at the stunning outdoor Marina Display Area. The SYBAss Lounge, which falls under the umbrella of the prestigious Superyacht Builders Association (SYBAss), has 10 members confirmed to participate at the event.

I can’t wait to take Tash to the show again as being half an islander, she shares my passion for the sun, sea and sand, Fiji style. Especially since two of the largest superyachts in the history of the Dubai International Boat Show will be showcased on outdoor Marina Display Area. The 88.5-metre-long superyacht Nirvana, built by Oceanco and exhibited by Edmiston, is one of the world’s top 50 longest superyachts and the exhibition’s largest-ever superyacht to date. The 88 metre Quattroelle superyacht, built by German shipyard Lürssen, will also be showcased this year. The luxury superyacht features elegant accommodation for up to 12 guests and provides plenty of exterior deck space for entertainment and relaxation.

The show will host 42 global and regional launches including regional launches of the 13.5-meter Cranchi, an 11-meter boat from Christ Craft, the 12-meter Everglade by Gulf Yachts, the 8.9 meter Qs855 Activ from Delma Marine, amphibious quad skis from Gibbs Sports, and the first-ever amphibious ribs from ASIS Boats. My favourite people from the Al Shaali families will be there in full force. Watch out for Gulf Craft and A S Marine – they are super nice people and Erwin Bamps from Gulf Craft is always the person in the know about what the local boat makers have in store for the boating enthusiasts.

Of the show’s 750 exhibiting companies and brands from 50 countries around the world, many are putting an increased emphasis on small to medium-sized boats, speed boats, and jet skis for visitors looking to pursue leisure marine activities. Thrill-seekers can explore jet skis and diving equipment, along with countries promoting their destinations for boating, jet skiing, snorkelling and diving.

The event will be open to trade visitors and the general public from 3 pm – 9:30 pm daily, with admission of AED 60….see you there.

Five stars for Audi A6 in US NCAP crash test

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Hot off the press – Just thought I’ll share with you the latest news thats come in from Audi – The American crash test program US NCAP has awarded the current Audi A6 (combined consumption in l/100 km: 9.8 – 4.4; combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 229 – 114) the maximum rating of five stars for crash safety. The results for adult protection in frontal and side impact collisions, as well as in a rollover situation, make the current Audi A6 one of the safest cars in its category.

Audi A6/Standaufnahme

 

FELDA introduces new frozen products at Gulfood 2014

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Felda Gulfood

Malaysia’s Federal Land Development Authority (FELDA), the world’s most successful land development and resettlement agency, introduced new products at Gulfood 2014, to be marketed to major retailers in the UAE.

The products will be marketed under FELDA Best”, which was developed as the one brand to internationally market products made the FELDA settlers. The first range of products to be marketed internationally is a selection of Malaysian Traditional Frozen Food Products.

The launch was attended by Tan Sri Haji Mohd Isa Dato’ Haji Abdul Samad, the Chairman of FELDA Group and Y.Bhg. Datuk Faizoull Ahmad, Director General of FELDA. Both reiterated the importance of promoting frozen products made by SME’s in Malaysia and to meet the increased demand of Malaysian food products in the region.

Felda Gulfood 2014

The list of deliciously sweet and savoury food products available for export that will be promoted at Gulfood this year are Aloo Curry Puff, Sweet Potato Cake, Tapioca Cake, Doughnuts, Sambal Fried Bun, Red Bean Fried Bun and Aloo Fried Bun.

The officials also announced that they would be supplying three local fruits, pineapples, bananas and rock melons to local supermarkets they are currently  in talks with.

For visitors to the Gulfood 2014, FELDA’s stand located at Sheikh Rashid Hall, stand R-180 on the right of the entrance to the hall.

 

Dvorak’s Rusalka coming to Meydan IMAX

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So… Little diva is super excited again for her next Opera showing. The fabulous Meydan Theatre presents the Met Opera’s fifth installment, Dvořák’s sumptuously melodic opera, will be held tomorrow February 23rd. 

It is now a mother daughter ritual to venture to the Meydan IMAX on a week day, have sinful food and indulge in the world’s best Opera in screen.

Renée Fleming sings her first Live in HD performance of one of her signature roles, the lovelorn mermaid Rusalka, in Dvořák’s sumptuously melodic opera. Yannick Nézet-Séguin conducts a cast that also includes Piotr Beczala as the handsome Prince Rusalka yearns to love; Dolora Zajick as the cackling swamp witch Ježibaba; Emily Magee as the Foreign Princess, Rusalka’s rival; and John Relyea as Rusalka’s father, the Water Sprite. “

We certainly can’t wait. The show begins at 7.30pm. We normally get there 30 minutes earlier to have snacks and drinks, get to the seats. Show ends at 11.30 and its the best few hours you will spend for entertainment. See you there!
STUDENTS: AED 125.00 – One ticket (complimentary drinks)
REGULAR: AED 150.00 – One ticket (complimentary drinks)
MET Opera Dvorak Rusalka

Saying goodbye is always hard

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Shereen Shabnam FotunerN

Little diva, NJD with my Fortuner in Al Ain.

I’m having an emotional week of letting go of the one thing in my life that stays consistent and has been possibly the most reliable and useful thing I’ve ever bought – My 4×4 Fortuner. Most people would say its just a car but those who know me well know that I develop a special relationship with every car I drive. And despite regularly driving multi million dollar cars that most people can only dream of, I still came back to my trusted 4×4 and feel right at home.

I fondly remember days when I got up late and dune bashed from Sharjah into Dubai – starting the day with that kind of adrenaline injection first thing in the morning again is something most people see as a chore but to me, dune bashing was the norm and despite being an SUV, the 4×4 function in the Fortuner is awesome.

While I bought the car for its looks and the fact it was really higher than most SUV’s, the main decision maker was the fact that it had this perfect extra space between the boot and the back seat that was ideal to fit in a shoe rack. For a chick that lived in Sharjah for many years, i needed a wardrobe in my boot for after work events in Dubai. At one time, I had close to 80 pairs of shoes and still had space for all little pink tool box, magazines, gym bag +++ other stuff that women lug around for convenience.

I also believe like animals, cars have souls. I felt that with my first car which was a VW…then it was a CRV – also an awesome SUV. Both cars were in accidents and totally scrapped but I emerged without a scratch. In both incidents, my cars didn’t let me down and responded really well to the stupidity of some drivers one can find sometimes on the roads here.

I am certainly going to miss my Fortuner but am happy it is going to a really nice British family who I know will cherish it as much as I did. I am currently driving a really hot little red number in form of a 2014 Elantra Coupe – amazing car, looks fabulous and a lot more comfortable than most sports cars I drive. I guess I needed something hot and sexy to cheer me up until all the paperwork gets done for my next car which is a Porsche Cayenne.

The last time I drove a Porsche Cayenne was while racing on the YAS Marina Circuit and had a tough time with one of the Belgian International Porsche examiners who thought I was too hard to handle – i nearly failed the tests I had to go through on the tracks with 7 models of Porsche. I hardly remember the feel of the car now except that I enjoyed the Panamera the most – I hope that Panamera will be my next car – it would be awesome taming the beast of the tracks.

Saying goodbye is certainly hard and I can’t wait to start a new relationship with the Cayenne – I hope it brings me nice new memories of travels to other Emirates, Oman etc. Can’t wait!