Al Nabooda Automobiles reports record Volkswagen growth

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VW Shereen Shabnam

A few days ago we had iftar with the awesome Volkswagen team from Al Nabooda Automobiles at the Royal Mirage and in between bonding with little diva, a group of us caught up and talked about cars and our experiences with Volkswagen models.

You may recall I went through a Volkswagen craze last year and tried a few models, which I absolutely loved. My first car was a funky looking VW Polo and I have warm memories of zipping around Dubai in that years ago. One great news from Volkswagen in Dubai and the Northern Emirates is that they have new growth record of vehicles sold during the first two quarters of 2013, representing a year-on-year increase of 37 per cent.

The success of the largest Volkswagen dealer in the Middle East was strongly supported by the increase in demand for the Passat model between January and June 2013. I was mentioning to VW team how popular the Passat was amongst some of my high profile car enthusiast friends.

The results reinforce the Volkswagen strategy supporting the Passat, which indicates the need and preference of customers in Dubai for a sedan vehicle with high standards of safety and design at a competitive price.

The Jetta also proved to be a strong performer in the first half of the year, resulting in 14 per cent rise in sales…. I have not tested the Jetta yet but after seeing its popularity, it has gone on my list of cars to have a fling with.

Thierry Seys, Volkswagen General Manager at Al Nabooda Automobiles is one of the most down to earth leaders I know and he naturally credits the success to his sales team who he says works exceptionally hard to deliver an outstanding service to loyal customers. He reckons that a 34 per cent increase on deliveries to customers is a real testament to their hard work and passion.

Well done Volkswagen!

RAMADAN Jewellery from Fontenay Paris

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Shereen Jewellery Shabnam

For Ramadan, Paris Gallery, has launched a new Fontenay Paris jewellery collection that was designed exclusively to celebrate Ramadan.

Naturally, Paris, the city of fashion and refinement, has inspired the creation of these elegant jewels. The sparkling cubic zirconia stones enhance the draped pattern of the 18k gold-plated jewellery for a sophisticated couture design, perfectly reflecting Fontenay Paris’ know-how and unique style.

Shereen Shabnam earings

The collection, which includes a necklace, bracelet, earrings and a ring, is available exclusively at Paris Gallery stores across the UAE. A commitment to produce high-end quality products has contributed to the success of Fontenay.

The designs have an everlasting sophistication that will please lovers of exceptional items. The introduction of this special jewellery line with its dazzling stones skilfully set on every piece represents purity and elegance, and is the perfect Ramadan jewellery complement.

The gorgeous guys at Paris Gallery sent me many images but the one below is my favourite. I would have loved it in white gold even more but that’s just me.

My favourite

My favourite

Peacock Collection from Mouawad

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Mouawad Peacock Collection ShereenShereen Shabnam Mouawad Peacock

Mouawad’s skilled awesome artisans have come up a stunning nature inspired jewellery collection that evokes the hues and beauty of peacock plumes…the last time I saw a Mouawad piece was months ago so it was superb to see some new pieces from them this week.

The new range of precious jewellery combines diamonds and multi-coloured precious gemstones and boasts a sophisticated chromatic effect.  The new Peacock collection is perfect to complement and adds a touch of colour to any wardrobe during special Ramadan occasions.

Released in limited numbers, the items of the new collection are all realized in 18K white gold and set with diamonds, citrines, sapphires, tourmalines and peridots. Matched in different combinations, the colourful stones create a graceful medley of bright white, deep blue, dark green, warm red, pink-violet and golden yellow, recalling the tones of the peacock’s plumage.

The Peacock collection captures the colourful splendour of nature’s most romantic bird in a striking and delicate range of bangles, earrings, necklaces, pendants and rings. Worn individually or combined to create a coordinated set, the pieces of the collection will grace a woman for every occasion and captivate during upcoming Ramadan social gatherings.

With prices starting from to USD$ 6,950 to USD$ 47,200 the Peacock collection is available in all Mouawad boutiques across the GCC.

Mouawad Peacock Shereen Shabnam

Look cool with Marchon

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It’s the season for cool shades and Marchon has just the right style for everyone. Style up your Abaya look with the latest selection of sunglasses from Marchon brands. Marchon Eyewear is available at selected brand boutiques and opticians across the region…get a taste of some of the styles below.

Marchon Shereen Shabnam

Full Flight simulators at ETIHAD

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simulator shereen shabnam

The second best way to get your adrenaline pumping if you are not on the race tracks or have the opportunity to do things like racing cars, flying planes etc is by simulation. I have always wanted to do flight simulations (they kicked me out at Kidszania but i am determined to go back again). SO I am now super jealous of the staff at Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, as it has purchased seven state-of-the-art full flight simulators (FFS) which will be based at the airline’s world class training academy in Abu Dhabi….and I of course still do not have an invite yet to try this :(.

Anyway, the deal with Canadian manufacturer CAE, worth more than US$ 200m at list prices, will see Etihad Airways take delivery of its first Airbus A380 and Boeing 787 FFS, and will support the airline’s growing training requirements.

In total Etihad Airways has ordered three Boeing 787 FFS, one Airbus A380 FFS, one Airbus A350 FFS, and two Airbus A320 FFS. All are CAE 7000 Series models. The airline currently has four CAE FFS: one Boeing 777, one Airbus A320 and two Airbus A330/340s.

 A multimillion dollar extension project is currently being undertaken at the training academy and is due for completion in early November 2013, with the first of the new FFS, an A320, scheduled for delivery later that month. The remaining FFS will arrive during the following 12 months.

The deal with CAE includes update services for the FFS and an exclusive 10-year agreement for training equipment and services. The flight training devices include CAE Simfinity Airbus Pilot Transition trainers and CAE Simfinity Integrated Procedures Trainers.

Now I wish they would have these kind of simulators at game arcades in UAE – you will find me there all weekend!

MINI brand campaign

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Shereen Shabnam

I love brands who do brand campaigns that are not conventional. And I love high energy brand campaigns that make laid back Fijians like me jump up the chair, get excited and get moving. So hearing that the new MINI brand campaign has got underway with an established “NOT NORMAL” claim, my ears perked up.

Apparently, the global campaign conveys the brand’s individual, high-energy attitude to life and highlights the strong emotional and personal connection between driver and MINI. “NOT NORMAL” focuses on MINI’s strong, independent character. The campaign, which integrates the full range of MINI products, will be rolled out worldwide through all communication channels.

At the heart of the MINI brand campaign are two new TV spots. The emotionally-powerful “A FRIEND FOR LIFE” spot shows in a humorous way how MINI is a lifelong companion for young and old alike in all situations of life. In typical MINI style, the spot shows people in various stages of their lives who all share one thing in common: their passion for MINI. The spots have different endings: One shows former rally driver Rauno Aaltonen as an enthusiastic MINI fan. The spot can be viewed online at: http://youtu.be/yn8fsVoNnw

The second TV spot, “BAND OF MINI”, shows four MINI drivers in different MINI models who meet at a crossroads all listening in synch to the song “I Believe In A Thing Called Love” by The Darkness. The four come together to form a MINI band with a difference. The drivers share a love of MINI, the same individual attitude to life and similar interests – in this case, the same taste in music. The final scene shows bulldog Tillman, the famous skating English bulldog, riding his skateboard.  The spot can be viewed online at: http://youtu.be/hTz718Ucrwg

Ramadan at Bahrain Science Centre

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ramadan_BSC

During the holy month of Ramadan and under the theme “Play2Learn”, Bahrain Science Centre, part of Ministry of Social Development will continue to fascinate visitors with a number of enlightening activities and new games suitable for all members of the family during Ramadan.

The Centre’s new games and activities that are specially selected for the holy month. Gergaon celebration, distributing nuts and candy will be on the 15th Ramadan, ‘star gazing” will be during the second and third weeks of Ramadan and Free Henna will be done for visitors before Eid during in the last two days of Ramadan.

The centre will be open from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm every day except Friday and 9:00 pm to 11:00 pm daily except Wednesday. Organised activity schedules can be downloaded from the Bahrain Science Centre website and Facebook pages.

The Bahrain Science Centre is located in Building 334, Road 109, Block 801, Riyadh Avenue, Isa Town, Kingdom of Bahrain and can be contacted on 17686466.

– ENDS –

Press release issued on behalf Bahrain Science Centre. For further information, please contact Shereen Shabnam on +971 507690087/ 504828177/ shereen@mtestudios.com. For information on the weekly programmes at the Bahrain Science Centre, please contact Amna Aldoseri at amna@mtestudios.com.

 About Bahrain Science Centre (BSC):

The Bahrain Science Centre (BSC) is an interactive educational facility that targets children, youth and families of Bahrain. It is located in building 334, Road 109, Block 801, Riyadh Avenue, Isa Town, Kingdom of Bahrain. The science centre has six interactive exhibition galleries, an auditorium, four laboratories and a café/shop.

The role of the BSC 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. The topics covered by current exhibitions include junior engineering, human health, the five senses, earth sciences and biodiversity.

Focusing on hands-on learning using interactive displays and people-centred programmes, such as science shows, Bahrain Science Centre also strongly promotes creativity and innovation as well as cross-generational learning. The science centre will also endeavour to promote an awareness of Bahrain’s contributions to science and technology and a strong Bahraini identity. It is an ideal family edutainment destination.

Educational Value of Toys and Games at Bahrain Science Centre

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Natasha at BSC

During July and August 2013, Bahrain Science Centre, a part of the Ministry of Social Development is bringing in an exciting line up of educational toys and games to celebrate the theme ‘Play2Learn’ and to entertain visitors from all walks of life.

The theme “Play2Learn” is introducing a new activity under the title of “Educational Value of Toys and Games “in which visitors, young and old will have the opportunity to play a variety of games from around the world.

An Educational Games Gala will be organized throughout the two-month period with competitions for all ages, as it is equally important that adults learn to play games with their children. Organised activity schedules can be downloaded from the Bahrain Science Centre website and Facebook pages.

The Bahrain Science Centre is located in Building 334, Road 109, Block 801, Riyadh Avenue, Isa Town, Kingdom of Bahrain and can be contacted on 17686466.

– ENDS –

Press release issued on behalf Bahrain Science Centre. For further information, please contact Shereen Shabnam on +971 507690087/ 504828177/ shereen@mtestudios.com. For information on the weekly programmes at the Bahrain Science Centre, please contact Amna Aldoseri at amna@mtestudios.com.

About Bahrain Science Centre (BSC):

The Bahrain Science Centre (BSC) is an interactive educational facility that targets children, youth and families of Bahrain. It is located in building 334, Road 109, Block 801, Riyadh Avenue, Isa Town, Kingdom of Bahrain. The science centre has six interactive exhibition galleries, an auditorium, four laboratories and a café/shop.

The role of the BSC 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. The topics covered by current exhibitions include junior engineering, human health, the five senses, earth sciences and biodiversity.

Focusing on hands-on learning using interactive displays and people-centred programmes, such as science shows, Bahrain Science Centre also strongly promotes creativity and innovation as well as cross-generational learning. The science centre will also endeavour to promote an awareness of Bahrain’s contributions to science and technology and a strong Bahraini identity. It is an ideal family edutainment destination

Brain and Memory is the June theme at Bahrain Science Centre

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Natasha Dury Shereen Shabnam

During June 2013, Bahrain Science Centre, a part of the Ministry of Social Development will host various activities under the theme ‘Brain & Memory’. A series of displays, talks and competitions will be held to celebrate this theme with highlights including ‘Brain Gym’ and ‘Brain Olympics’

The activities of this month will allow visitors to get the deep knowledge of how brain functions from the process of storing information, its weight, how many neurons are there, and how much energy dose the brain use?

Memory is headquartered in the brain and unlike other body organs, such as the heart (which is a pump), liver (chemical factory) or the lungs (bellows), your brain is ‘you’ and cannot be transplanted. Learn more by visiting the Science centre during the month of June.

The Bahrain Science Centre is located in Building 334, Road 109, Block 801, Riyadh Avenue, Isa Town, Kingdom of Bahrain and can be contacted on 17686466.

Press release issued on behalf Bahrain Science Centre. For further information, please contact Shereen Shabnam on +971 507690087/ 504828177/ shereen@mtestudios.com. For information on the weekly programmes at the Bahrain Science Centre, please contact Amna Aldoseri at amna@mtestudios.com.

About Bahrain Science Centre (BSC):

The Bahrain Science Centre (BSC) is an interactive educational facility that targets children, youth and families of Bahrain. It is located in building 334, Road 109, Block 801, Riyadh Avenue, Isa Town, Kingdom of Bahrain. The science centre has six interactive exhibition galleries, an auditorium, four laboratories and a café/shop.

The role of the BSC 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. The topics covered by current exhibitions include junior engineering, human health, the five senses, earth sciences and biodiversity.

Focusing on hands-on learning using interactive displays and people-centred programmes, such as science shows, Bahrain Science Centre also strongly promotes creativity and innovation as well as cross-generational learning. The science centre will also endeavour to promote an awareness of Bahrain’s contributions to science and technology and a strong Bahraini identity. It is an ideal family edutainment destination.

DNA workshops and murder mystery by forensic scientist at Bahrain Science Centre

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Visiting forensic scientist, Professor Valerie Corfield, explains the intricacies of the DNA spiral to young visitors to the Bahrain Science Centre during a 'DNA Detective' workshop

Visiting forensic scientist, Professor Valerie Corfield, explains the intricacies of the DNA spiral to young visitors to the Bahrain Science Centre during a ‘DNA Detective’ workshop

Bahrain Science Centre, part of the Ministry of Social Development in Bahrain, is  currently hosting a real forensic scientist from the Medical Research Council in South Africa, Dr Valerie Corfield.

Professor Valerie Corfield is a retired medical researcher who is very well known in South Africa for her involvement in informal education on medical issues, including HIV-Aids and the use of DNA in forensic science and genetics. She is holding ‘DNA Detective’ workshops and one ‘DNA Murder Mystery’, which will allow visitors to get involved and discover the wonder of DNA. She will also do staff training on how to use DNA in teaching about forensics and genetics.

The ‘DNA Detective Workshop’ is suitable for visitors aged 9 years and older and the ‘Murder Mystery’ is suitable for visitors 12 years and older.

Later today, a ‘murder’ in a make-believe space ship (BSC 13) will be enacted at the Bahrain Science Centre this Thursday evening and everyone is invited to come along and help solve the ‘crime’.

The Commander of the Space Ship BSC 13, Astro Naut, is mysteriously murdered and every member of the crew is a suspect.

Is the murderer Cosmo Naut, the jealous younger brother of the Commander, or Mike Apollo, a space tourist, or the unhappy wife of the Commander, Countfore Naut, the pompous and unbearable Max D Oderant, sponsor of the space tourists, or the heavily armed Flight Chef Para Noyd? Perhaps it is the programmer of the androids, Maida Blunder, or even one of the androids itself, C3PO. Or maybe it is Detective Conan from the No.1 Ladies Detective Agency, who is a guest onboard of ultra rich Lady Bonnie Bigbux, herself a prime suspect?

Date:Time:Venue: 30 May 2013 5: 00 to 7pm pm – Murder Mystery “Death in Orbit “ play

Bahrain Science Centre, Building 334, Road 109, Block 801, Riyadh Avenue, Isa Town, Kingdom of Bahrain.

 

 

 

 

The Bahrain Science Centre is located in Building 334, Road 109, Block 801, Riyadh Avenue, Isa Town, Kingdom of Bahrain and can be contacted on 17686466.

For more information, please contact:

Shereen Shabnam

BH Mob: +973 39511234

UAE Mob: +971 50 4828177/7690087