Nissan Middle East projects a positive FY2013

May 26, 2013Leave a comment

One of the nicest people in the Middle East automotive industry has to be Samir Cherfan, Managing Director Nissan Middle East…a positive down to earth and yet dynamic individual, he is confident and a visionary which is why it was a delight to listen to him last week over lunch talking about Nissan Middle East the 26.2% rise in sales for the 2012 financial year (FY2012) ending 31 March 2013 and what the brand hopes to achieve in the future.

The brand outperformed the overall market trend by 1.1%, following a year of award-winning brand building activities during which five new exciting and innovative models were launched. Nissan Middle East achieved 14.4%* market share, up 0.1% on FY2011.

The performance has led Nissan to predict positive growth 2013 in the Middle East during which it is forecasting a minimum 11.1% rise in sales against expected market growth of 5%*. By the close of FY2013, Nissan Middle East expects a market share across the region to be 15.2%.

Nissan’s strategy in the Middle East is based on the global strategy, ‘Nissan Power 88’, a wide-ranging six-year business plan announced in FY2011 that will accelerate the company’s growth according to Samir. “Based on Power 88, Nissan is aggressively renewing its product line-up in the region and heavily investing in powerful – sometimes record-breaking – brand initiatives. In financial year 2012, Nissan launched a new model almost every two months in the Middle East, all of which were enthusiastically welcomed by car buyers.”

Nissan will enjoy full years sale of the new models introduced in FY2012, which are expected to play a major part in increasing market share. Its leadership in the B/C segment was reinforced with the introduction of an all-new name to arguably the most competitive of segments, the Nissan Sentra small-sedan. In the first 50 days of its availability, nearly 1,500 Sentras were sold, reinforcing Nissan’s position as segment leader.

If you travel as much as I do, you will note that to support Power 88, Nissan launched its first global brand campaign in FY2012, supported in the Middle East with a multi-million dollar campaign in Dubai International Airport. With artwork strategically placed at over 70 chosen locations across the airport, the Nissan brand message will be delivered to all of the 64 million travellers passing through each year. . Fittingly for the Middle East’s most visible brand campaign, it also achieved a Guinness World Record with the accompanying production of the world’s largest indoor illuminated advertising sign – over 174 square meters…check it out the next time you are at Dubai airport.

With a proud racing heritage, Nissan Middle East also escalated its motorsport activity in FY2012. In October 2012 Nissan introduced the unique and highly successful GT Academy to the region, prompting thousands of entrants to compete to fulfil their dreams of turning ‘virtual to reality’ and transforming computer console gaming skills into a career as a professional racing driver. Its support of the region’s most iconic race, the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge, also reached new heights with the sponsorship of Yahya and Mansoor Belhelei.

Samir also mentioned to me that for the high-end cars, they also customise cars according to individual tastes … most discerning buyers I know value this so I hope 2013 is also a great year for Nissan with more premium clients knocking on their doors.

Get stylish at home with Bentley

May 23, 2013Leave a comment

Awesome!

I’m in the process of looking for a swanky villa in Dubai to move into and can’t help but spend hours at home furnishing shops in the hope of making my new home fun and stylish. Now I must hold on to my gallivanting around town as Bentley have announced a partnership with Club House Italia for the development of its new Bentley Home Collection.

This exclusive collection of furniture and home-ware will combine the finest quality craftsmanship with exquisite modern design and the luxury finishes which underlie Bentley’s renowned global brand…. I can only imagine how cool and classic the collection will be.

The state-of-the-art collection will combine traditional elements in contemporary contexts to enhance today’s residential, commercial and executive office interiors….if you have been in a Bentley, you would know that they have the finest world-class interiors – now you can have this luxury feel in your home and office.

Club House Italia – which furnishes the finest homes, boardrooms, apartments, hotels, yachts and private jets – will reflect Bentley’s elegant, prestigious and recognisable style in the creation of a range of furniture that combines the highest attention to detail with the finest aesthetic sensibility.

The essence of Club House Italia is expressing the style of desire, giving a shape to luxury through a contemporary art made up of talent, sensitivity and expertise. Combined with Bentley’s legendary style and exquisite craftsmanship, the partnership will offer rare examples of elegance and fine finishes, using the world’s most beautiful materials to bring out unique elements of character and craftsmanship…..can’t wait to see it!

Bahrain Science Centre to host a unique Sound of Music show

May 16, 2013Leave a comment

Our colleague Mohammed does the Sound of music show at Bahrain Science Centre

Bahrain Science Centre, part of the Ministry of Social Development in Bahrain will actively focus on exploring science shows on music this month sparked by the famous South African science show presenter, Derek Fish who visited the science centre last year.

Derek gave some terrific performances of his ‘Sounds of Music’ show to capacity audiences, encouraging facilitators to teach science using music in Bahrain. Two of the centre’s Facilitators, Mohammed Alkooheji and Hafsa Rahman, have taken the lead in this exciting initiative.

Sound travels in waves, but what do these waves look like? The centre has bought some software that shows, on the screen, what high and low-pitched sound waves look like. There are already downloaded sounds made by different musical instruments and visitors can watch the waves that they make.

Further research reveals that the shortest strings on string instruments, such as the guitar or violin, produce the highest pitch sounds and the longest strings produce the lowest pitch sounds. Likewise, wind instruments with large or long sound chambers (tuba, baritone saxophone, French horn, trombone) produce deeper sounds than instruments with small or narrow sound chambers (piccolo, flute or clarinet). To learn more, visit the Bahrain Science Centre.

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.

5 Shine Secrets to Let Your Inner Star Shine Bright

May 13, 2013Leave a comment

Jamal Hammadi – Co-creator of Sunsilk Shine & Strength Range

Jamal Hammadi, Sunsilk Shine & Strength co-creator and stylist to the stars, believes natural hair products create natural glow for that superstar look and feel. So when your big break comes along, whether it’s a job interview or a trip abroad, you can ditch sweaty palms and let your inner light shine bright with a few of Jamal’s shine secrets. Because when you feel like a superstar, you are one….check out some awesome tips from Jamal below:

Secret #1. Keep It Real

Oils are a natural part of our hair’s make-up, so they’re the obvious nourishing ingredient to infuse hair with radiant shine. Products with natural ingredients such as argan, almond and camellia oil are extremely beneficial for the growth of healthy hair. Tea tree oil can also help maintain the balance of your hair’s natural oils.

TIP: For fabulously soft hair, this recipe is a great and natural DIY alternative: blend egg white, cucumber and a few spoons of coconut oil in a mixer, apply on hair and leave for 40 minutes, then wash out. You’ll love how soft your hair feels!

Secret #2. Keep It Simple

Less is more! Go back to basics as much as possible – avoid hair gels and limit how much you use hair spray. Be careful not to over-colour when dying, as this can rob hair of its natural shine and texture. Using a hot iron to straighten is also better than chemical straightening, which can weaken hair due to chemicals used in the process.

TIP: If you brush your hair before sleep, use a wooden comb to untangle knots rather than a normal plastic one, as these lead to hair breakage. Wooden combs can activate the hair’s natural oil secretion, which lends moisture to the hair. And remember to be gentle when drying your hair after cleaning – rough treatment damages cuticles and roots.

Secret #3. It’s All About Moisture

Moisture is so important for bouncy, thick and shiny hair. But everything we do to our hair depletes moisture: using the wrong shampoo, blow-drying, colouring or straightening.

TIP: Just remember, lack of moisture is curable – you can replenish your natural hair texture with moisturisers and nutrients. You should also rinse with cold water after washing, because this seals the hair cuticles, locking in moisture and shine. And don’t forget to oil your hair every now and then, ensuring to oil the ends as well – argan oil is perfect.

Secret #4. Shea Butter for Sheer Beauty

One of my favourite natural ingredients is shea butter. It provides the perfect amount of nutrients to add that natural sheen. It also protects your hair from the sun and contains vitamins A and E, which are beneficial for dry and sun exposed skin and hair.

TIP: Vitamin A smoothes and has hydrating properties, while vitamin E is vital for luscious shine and is found in foods such as avocados, berries and nuts. It improves scalp circulation and helps decrease greyness.

Secret #5. Love Your Body, Love The Look

Each strand has to be healthy from the inside to glow with its full brilliance. To achieve this, you need to nourish each hair individually. But you also need a positive attitude and a well-balanced diet!

TIP: Fish and fish oils are key for healthy hair. You can keep your locks nourished with lots of water, vegetables and foods rich in fatty acids such as salmon and beans – and make sure you up your iron intake. You should eat lots of good proteins and vegetables. Iron will give hair a fantastic shine!

I would certainly like Jamal to be my stylist for my next big event 🙂

Another shoe party at Vince Camuto

May 13, 2013Leave a comment

My shoe fetish just turned a notch higher as Vince Camuto transitional 2013 brings three new trends, each with an emphasis on ornate detailing, mixed media, jeweled embellishments as well as exotic fabrications.

I realise that after the hassle of looking for a 4 bedroom villa (which the man of the house insists needs an extra room for my shoes) should keep me away from retail therapy but one look at the shoes was enough to melt my heart. I’m sure I could convert the garage into a walk in shoe closet. Western Frontier, Deco Nouveau and Star-Studded Event, each with its own attention to fabrication, ornamentation and modern silhouette, respectively; offer complimentary collections that pay homage to beauty of history in art and craftsmanship.

Western Frontier is the most classic of the transitional collection trends, featuring cut-out, western scalloping, embellished overlays, horse-shoe buckles, starburst studs and ornate harnesses. For day, standout styles include assorted ankle boots with a western flair in Egyptian blue, true black, smoke taupe, or tie dye, in multi snake or tonal print snake featuring embroidery detail to reflect the craftsmanship of the artisans of the Southwest.

Evening shoes transition seamlessly; including mid-height open toed sandals in soft calf or tonal snake print leather in black, brown or beachwood, saddle.

Star-Studded Event is a more decorated collection, rich in detail, featuring all-over micro beaded leather prints and mini-studded embellishment. Standout styles include, for day, teal, bamboo and black loafers in luxe true suede and evening styles include ecru, smoke taupe and black vintage goat and true suede open toed booties with ornate beads and studs. Low-heeled woven scalloped suede sandals in a toasted brown exude a rustic glamour that are both comfortable and enviable.

Deco Nouveau, the most sophisticated trend of the season, offers more feminine silhouettes, including styles such as pointed toe sling-back and mirror metallic multi-strapped low-heeled sandals, both in steel leather, for day. For evening, a new single-sold pump silhouette, with a slender high-heel, in purple jewel and red wine true suede, is both refreshingly sleek and fashion-forward. Deco-diamond strappy high-heeled sandals in steel and black mirror metallic and exotic snake, as well as satin and metallic jeweled caged ankle strap evening sandals, are inspired by modern architecture and construction.

I reckon I need to start looking for that ace real estate agent who can find me that perfect villa with a walk in shoe closet. Know anyone???

All images are copyrighted to Vince Camuto :).

Indulging in Pink at Nayomi

May 12, 2013Leave a comment

Shopping for a fashionable sister about to get married is a fun experience but in the process, you end up falling in love with stuff in shops you normally don’t go in regularly….Nayomi is one such shop where no matter what mood you are in, there is always something pink in there that lifts up your spirits. Their new collection, ‘Carla’ looks set to break my bank this week.

Carla is a beautiful printed collection showcased on sumptuous satin and flowing chiffons making for an elegant range. Delicate lace, bias cut silhouettes and rich pink satins create an undeniable sense of luxury. Flounce hems and sparkling crystal trims add to the attraction of this sophisticated range.

Highly recommend checking out the Carla Pajama Set (satin) which is a Solid satin cami with sweetheart neckline, lace cups, and tapered straps paired with a floral printed pajama pant.

If you like inner wear to be fun and fabulous, get the Carla Babydoll Set (mesh/lace) – Seductive babydoll with wired, lace cups and boning detail for great support, semi-fitted body with satin ruffles at hem.

My favourite is the Carla Short Dress Set (satin/chiffon) – This pretty short dress set features a printed flounce sleeved chiffon short robe over a pink satin dress.

Her Highness Shaikha Hessa Bint Khalifa Al Khalifa officially opens Bahrain Science Centre

May 11, 2013Leave a comment

Manama Bahrain: Her Highness Shaikha Hessa Bint Khalifa Al Khalifa, wife of His Highness Shaikh Abdulla Bin Hamed Al Khalifa officially opened the Bahrain Science Centre, which falls under the directorate of Bahrain’s Ministry of Social Development. The venue has hosted over 25,000 visitors since it’s soft launch from all walks of life that include students, teachers, intellectual societies and general public.

Shaika Hessa hopes that science learning through fun and interactivity would encourage youth to be innovative and create an environment that promotes the importance of living sustainable lifestyles amongst people of all ages.

According to the Minister of Social Development, Dr. Fatema Al Balushi, the science centre was set up to contribute to formal and non-formal science education through awareness of science and technology among the youth, families and adults through play, while supporting the school curriculum in science, mathematics and technology.

Khalid Ishaq, Assistant Undersecretary of Community Development of Bahrain’s Ministry of Social Development reiterated the role of the Bahrain Science Centre in strengthening the science and technology culture of Bahrain by providing them with a fun infused interactive platform for games and public debates on topical science, engineering and technology issues.

Currently MTE studios manage and operate the Bahrain Science Centre. The CEO of MTE Studios, Ludo Verheyen adds, “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. We focus and follow international practices in running the Bahrain Science Centre to be at par with leading science centres globally.”

Early last month, Amal Al Buflasa from the Ministry of Social Development revealed that the Bahrain Science Centre will be an active participant in the worldwide events by the community of science centres.

Under the guidance of MTE Studios Imagineering Director, Prof. Mike Bruton, regular weekly programmes at the Bahrain Science Centre includes science debates, science workshops, static electricity demonstrations, art workshops, MAD Science shows, animal story telling and science talks.

Science centres globally have taken the lead in hands-on, inquiry-based learning, and complement formal education sector. They make science fun and exciting so that school students are more likely to be receptive to formal science teaching in the classroom.

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 +973 3951 1234/ +971 507690087/ +971 504828177/ shereen@mtestudios.com.

Sotheby’s celebrate Doha auction success in Qatar

April 24, 2013Leave a comment

Sotheby’s Doha auction in progress

Today is an awesome day in London…apart from the fact that I brought sunshine to the city like I always do when I step out of the plane, I will see my first Sotheby’s auction in progress in London this afternoon – Arts of the Islamic World.

More will come later on this as the auction I will go and see covers Middle Eastern and Turkish Art so it deserves a full new dedicated blog.

Meanwhile the auction in Doha, (Sotheby’s Contemporary Art Doha auction) achieved the strong total of $15,199,750, solidly between the pre-sale expectations of $11.1/16.1 million, establishing the highest price for an auction of Contemporary Art in the Middle East region.

I saw some of the pieces that are in Doha now at an exclusive VIP preview that was held at the Royal Mirage in Dubai…they were really nice and I met lots of interesting people. It would have been great to see the auction in Doha as it was very successful.

The sale was 89.1% sold by lot. Records were set for nine artists, including a record for a living Arab artist. The top lot of sale was Donald Judd’s Untitled (Bernstein 90-01), which sold – after an extended bidding battle among four people – for $3,525,000.

Rising Down, set an auction record for Ethiopian-born artist Julie Mehretu titled when it achieved the strong price of $3,077,000*, over its high estimate of $3 million, after competition from four bidders.

Four bidders competed for a commanding installation work by Minimalist artist Donald Judd, Untitled (Bernstein 90-01), dating from 1990, which achieved $3,525,000 against a high estimate of $3.5 million. Judd was one of the leading pioneers of new sculptural forms and concepts within America during the latter half of the twentieth century and this work shows his brilliantly imaginative mind at the very pinnacle of its creative powers.

Four bidders competed for a work of monumental scale by Chant Avedissian, Icons of the Nile, which set a record for a living Arab artist when it fetched $1,565,000 (est. $1/1.5 million). Created in 2010, this gouache, stencil and acrylic paint on cardboard, in one hundred and twenty parts, is the largest piece the artist has created to date. It presents a mosaic of Egyptian culture that retraces the country’s past through nostalgic imagery and iconographical motifs.

Prominent among the group of works sold was a supreme series of paintings by the influential Iranian artist Mohammed Ehsai, entitled ‘Eshgh’ or ‘Love’ and dated 2012, which fetched $437,000 (est. $300/400,000, pictured left). His distinctive style is shown at its best in the ‘Eshgh’ series, which blends traditional calligraphic techniques with modern graphics.

Suspended Together fetched the remarkable sum of $329,000 (est. $100/150,000), achieving an auction record for the artist. Magnificent in scale and epic in conception, Suspended Together is one of the most important and celebrated works of Manal Al Dowayan’s career to date and the first of her installation works to appear at auction. Utterly elegiac in its beauty, the work has a distinguished exhibition history, having been displayed at major international shows, such as Edge of Arabia in Dubai and The Future of a Promise at the 54th Venice Biennale (both in 2011).

A myriad of snow white porcelain doves hover in the air, the wings and body of each bird stamped with an exact reproduction of the permission document a Saudi woman needs from their male guardian to travel.

Ya’illahi (Dear Lord), one of the most important paintings ever to come to auction by Ayman Baalbaki, achieved a record for the artist when it reached a final sum of $377,000 (est. $100/150,000). Depicting the shrouded face of a lone, heroic figure gazing up to the skies, the powerfully charged work explores the acute tension and ambiguity within the kaffiyeh, an everyday garment.

The highly desirable portrait by Mahmoud Said, Profil, dating from 1950, attracted competition from no fewer than five bidders and achieving $125,000, many multiples of its high estimate of $50,000.

Seeing how successful the Doha sale was, I am excited to see the London auction which fits in perfectly with my trip…..for me, although it was a dream to see a Sotheby’s auction, what is nice is that I get to see an auction that covers a subject I love – Middle Eastern and Turkish Art or Arts of the Islamic World.

I just can’t wait to see the pieces that are from the sixteenth and the seventeenth centuries, especially the art of the Indian Deccan dated 1684.

The most efficient vehicle – Learn about bicycles at Bahrain Science Centre

April 18, 2013Leave a comment

During April and May 2013 the Bahrain Science Centre part of the Ministry of Social Development in Bahrain is celebrating the theme ‘Machines & Mechanisms’. One of its displays and activities during these theme months is on the most efficient vehicle ever invented, the bicycle.

The bicycle display demonstrates why the bicycle is so efficient due to its ergonomic design that uses the human body as a source of power, its light weight, streamlining, reduced rolling resistance on the road and reduced friction resistance in the chain and sprockets.

Furthermore, the rider is seated and does not have to support his/her weight, and the reciprocal cycling action allows one leg to recover while the other leg is pushing. Bicycles also have gears that provide mechanical advantage when riding uphill or against the wind, and can free-wheel downhill without any use of energy.

The display also emphasizes that the bicycle is the most environmentally friendly form of transport as it reduces air pollution, does not produce greenhouse gases and therefore reduces our carbon footprint. It also reduces noise levels, consumes fewer resources to make and use, and uses less space than cars and therefore reduces traffic congestion. Bicycles also facilitate healthy exercise and promote a healthy outdoor life style.

The discussion and workshops around the display will focus on the design of the mechanics of the bicycle and should be of interest to people of all age groups.

Don’t miss the display, discussions, debates and workshops on the bicycle in the Bahrain Science Centre during April and May 2013.

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.

Uchiwa fan brings memories

April 18, 2013Leave a comment

For the third time in 2 years, I am preparing to move home – lock, stock and barrel. It’s not a fun task packing stuff of a huge 4 bedroom villa and its amazing what you find when you delve through myriads of books and knick knacks that no family member wants to part with.

After facing 3 huge piles of paperwork on my living room table, I decided this evening to get rid of some display items (it’s now a joke between Eric and Tash that the pile grows bigger instead of smaller despite me spending hours in the evenings de-cluttering while being distracted with the computer, TV, phone calls etc)

After much rummaging, tearing of pages and throwing candles etc, I came across a Uchiwa fan, which always reminds me of Japanese elegance and tradition.

These fans are cherished by the people of Japan, not just to cool down but for getting shade and in my case, it was used as decoration – that is until my last house move. I received it from a dear University mate who had taken me under her wings when I first visited KL.

The Uchiwa fans from Edo, first made in the 18^th century are crafted by taking Japanese ‘washi’ paper cut in ovals and placed on a finely sliced bamboo frame. The woodblock printing technique was then used by the craftsmen to decorate the fans artistically…. I wish I was good in art so I could do something creative like that.

Common subjects used in the artwork often included pretty women, kabuki performers, scenic nature/gardens etc, depending on what was in fashion.

While I am still not happy about having to relocate thousands of books from libraries at every corner of the villa, its fun coming across some nice objects collected over the last twenty years of extensive travel and visiting cultural and heritage exhibitions.

Now all I need to do to find an equally huge villa that has a spare room for my shoes, books and collectibles … does anyone know a really cool real estate agent with lots of patience to put up with diva demands?

Globalista Extraordinaire

TEEN lifestyle in the UAE, SPAIN, UK and FIJI ISLANDS