Qatari Architects invited to be part of Qatar UK 2013 Year of Culture

Doha, 23 July 2013: The British Council and Qatar Museums Authority (QMA), on behalf of Qatar UK 2013 Year of Culture, are inviting Qatari architects to be part of Qatar UK 2013 Year of Culture by entering the Old Doha Prize – a week long design residency and competition in Doha from 17-24 November 2013.

The Old Doha Prize is organised in association with the Doha Architecture Centre and Msheireb Properties in Qatar as well as the Royal Institute for British Architects (RIBA) and The Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL in the UK.

The Prize offers Qatari architects the unique opportunity to collaborate with their UK counterparts; five teams will research and explore new ways to address the changing urban landscape of Old Doha. They will share approaches, skills and creative ideas to explore the process of regeneration and potential for incorporating the heritage and history of the area into their designs.

The winning team will be awarded the Old Doha Prize and a grant of £15,000. The grant will provide the team with the opportunity and resource to implement ideas explored as part of the design residency. This might include the implementation of the project in the form of an exhibition, research project, publication, installation, public intervention or film.

The Old Doha Prize will encourage architects to develop compelling and contemporary ideas in response to Doha’s historic city centre. The brief will focus specifically on the neighbourhoods of Al Asmakh and Najada in the heart of Old Doha, and will be founded on the principle of ‘Living Heritage’.

This is the idea that heritage is not something set in history; rather something that continually evolves whilst remaining deeply rooted in the past.

Angela Brady, RIBA President says ‘The Old Doha Prize provides UK and Qatar based architects and designers a unique opportunity to work together in the spirit of collaboration, experimentation and international learning to help develop sustainable solutions for the long term regeneration of Old Doha.

The rapid development and growth of Qatar coupled with its desire to embrace its ancient Islamic ties and incorporate its unique culture into its surroundings, making it a fascinating area for architecture.’

Tim Makower, Lead Facilitator for the Old Doha Prize and principal of Makower Architects in Doha and London says ‘The idea for the Old Doha Prize is the coming together of two things both of which are important for the future of architecture and urbanism in Qatar. First, it is the opportunity to raise awareness about the character-rich fabric of the old city which could become the foundation of a 'Qatari Renaissance'.

Second, it is a chance to celebrate and explore how young design talent from Qatar and the UK can work together, and push the boundaries of what it means to respond to the identity of a place and explore how 'heritage' can be a springboard into the future as well as being a deep root in the past.’

Graham Sheffield, Director Arts for the British Council and spokesperson for Qatar UK 2013 says “The Old Doha Prize takes place as part of Qatar UK 2013 Year of Culture which celebrates the long-standing relationship between the two countries. The programme aims to forge new and support existing partnerships in the arts, education, sport and science, while promoting an awareness and appreciation of each country’s culture, achievements and heritage. This Prize is exactly the kind of cultural exchange we want to promote as part of the Year.”

Aisha Ghanem Al Attiya, spokesperson for Qatar UK 2013 says “With this competition, we bring together one of the world’s largest and one of the world’s fastest growing design sectors, the UK and Qatar, whilst providing opportunities for ambitious architects and designers in both nations. More and more people are taking notice of Doha's breath-taking modern skyline and at the same time are discovering that the heritage of art and design in Qatar reaches back many generations.”

How to apply

The ‘Old Doha Prize’ is open to architects with more than two years’ experience. Applicants must have the full support and endorsement of their architecture practice.

Interested architects should submit an Expression of Interest in the format of an A4 PDF portfolio no longer than 10 pages. The submission must include the following mandatory information:

1.Up to five examples of key projects (realised or speculative) that you feel represent your approach.

2. CV of the architect(s) attending.

3. A short statement (in English or Arabic) that will briefly outline why you are applying to take part in the Old Doha Prize and your perspective on the issue of balancing cultural heritage with contemporary design and development. (Max 500 words)

Submissions should be in PDF format and not to exceed 2MB in size. These should be emailed to QatarUK2013_UK@britishcouncil.org by 4pm (GMT) on Thursday 30 August 2013 in the UK and 4pm (GMT) on Sunday 15 September 2013 in Qatar.

For more detailed information about eligibility and how to apply, please visit http://backoftheenvelope.britishcouncil.org.

Context

Old Doha is under-going significant regeneration and transformation, thanks to several powerful catalysts, including the construction of a new Metro, the Msheireb Project and the World Cup in 2022, making this an exciting time for British architects to be forging connections in Qatar. Msheireb Properties’ flagship regeneration project of the historical downtown of Doha will alone see £3.65 billon in development invested in this area.

Architectural developments in Old Doha aspire to balance regeneration and development to ensure the history of the area is celebrated and maintained.

A number of key British based companies including Arup and Allies and Morrison are already working on projects within the Msheireb Project, bringing their experience of working on world class regeneration projects such as the London 2012 Olympic Park to Qatar.

Qatar has the fastest growing and most stable economy in the Middle East and is using its financial strength to promote social development. Its population has doubled in the last four years and is predicted to double again by 2015.

Through its National Vision for 2030, Qatar aims to be an advanced society capable of sustaining its development and providing a high standard of living for all of its people; incorporating long-term strategies for economic, social, human and environmental development. The Old Doha Prize hopes to encourage long lasting ties between British and Qatari architects and designers that will increase the skills of professionals in both countries

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Rosewood Hotels in Riyadh Unveils its Superior Offers for Eid Al-Fitr

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 06 August 2013: In celebration of Eid Al-Fitr, Rosewood Hotels in Riyadh, the Al Faisaliah Hotel and Hotel Al Khozama, have announced a selection of special Eid offers for families staying in the capital city during this festive time.

With the hotels’ superbly appointed rooms and suites available at competitive rates in Al Faisaliah Hotel and Hotel Al Khozama, and signature brunches offering the finest dining in the capital, the Eid celebration offers promise luxury at its most affordable. 

“We are delighted to celebrate the occasion of Eid Al-Fitr with a variety of special rates and promotions. Rosewood Hotels in Riyadh offer unparalleled luxury hospitality and a wide range of the finest cuisine from around the world,” said Alex Pichel Managing Director of the Al Faisaliah Hotel and Hotel Al Khozama. 

A haven of hospitality and personalised service for which the Rosewood Group is renowned, the Al Faisaliah Hotel, Al Faisaliah Suites and Hotel Al Khozama offer special Eid packages on a wide range of ultra-luxury suites and superior rooms, starting from SR 1650 per night for Al Faisaliah Hotel, SR 2880 per night for Al Faisaliah Hotel Suites and SR 785 per night for Hotel Al Khozama. The packages include: Eid brunch and early breakfast for two persons, complementary valet service, 24-hours butler service and the option for late check out until 6pm.   

Adding to the joy of Eid, both Rosewood Hotels in Riyadh have laid on the finest Eid Brunches in the capital city. Al Faisaliah Hotel will offer an international brunch. Choices include the finest traditional Arabian and Italian fare - kharouf, shawarma, pizza, pasta, seafood, as well as an array of international dishes from almost every corner of the globe. Eid brunch will be offered for SR 320 per person.

Hotel Al Khozama will offer a spectacular Eid brunch in the intimate and inviting Windrose restaurant, with a range of culinary dishes from almost every corner of the globe. Youngsters will be enthralled by the hotel’s resident clown offering face painting, fun and games, as well as Cartoon Corner and a bouncy castle in the famous Hotel Al Khozama garden. Eid brunch will be offered at SR 185 per person.

“There is no better place to celebrate Eid Al-Fitr than Rosewood Hotels in Riyadh. We look forward to welcoming both our long-standing and first time guests,” said Pichel. 

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L’Azurde Adopts New Strategy Inspired By Arab Women

Riyadh, July 27, 2013: L’Azurde, the first company in the Middle East to obtain accreditation from the London Bullion Market Association, revealed plan to open 30 showrooms during the next three years in order to raise their market share to 40 percent of the jewellery market in Saudi Arabia, and join 10 existing one’s in the MENA region specialized in selling different collection of diamond.

Hosting a Suhoor on Friday, the Riyadh-based L’Azurde Group, with an experience of more than 30 years, unveiled a new strategy to strengthen its position in the global gold market through developing its brand to compete with the other international brands.

Ayman Al Haffar, Executive General Manager of the Group, gave an overview of the new expansions and projects in GCC region, in addition to revealing the new strategy of the group and the current situation of the jewellery market and promising prospects locally and regionally. “This strategy comes to commensurate L’Azurde leadership with its distinctive position in the formulation and distribution of jewelry, making it number one in this field in the Gulf and the Middle East,” he said.

L’Azurde’s success can be attributed, in a way, to its ability to have access to Arab women and meet all their needs of gold and diamond to shine and boasts by wearing the distinctive cut from L’Azurde. “L’Azurde experience made the group understand women for different character and habits,” he further said, adding that “L’Azurde believes jewelry is more than just a status symbol. It designs original classical and contemporary jewelry for every moment in a women’s life, creating a signature style that offers elegance and uniqueness for every occasion.”

Moreover, he said perhaps the most striking proof on L’Azurde’s new strategy success is the sheer number of viewers for the new identity announcement on L’Azurde channel on YouTube, which surpassed one million 1,000,000, a figure which the majority of the companies operating in this sector in the region did not reach, he noted.

 L’Azurde produces more than 3,000 different jewelry models every year, and one of the few manufacturers operating in 21-karat and 18-karat gold and diamond jewelry. Its award-winning designers and model-makers are at the heart of what L’Azurde does. Because L’Azurde believes jewelry is more than just a status symbol, it designs original classical and contemporary jewelry for every moment in a women’s life, creating a signature style that offers elegance and uniqueness for every occasion.

 Over the last decade, L’Azurde has received industry recognition at the highest level. Among many awards, it received the “Gold Virtuosi International Award” for design excellence in gold jewelry awarded in Italy, and the “International Quality in Gold Jewelry Award” by the Trade Leaders’ Club in France.

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National Football Museum Launches Exhibtion of Arab Women in Sport as a part of Qatar UK 2013 Year OF Culture

A new exhibition illustrating Arab women’s love of sport has opened at the National Football Museum in Manchester, UK as part of Qatar UK 2013 Year of Culture.

Commissioned by Qatar Museums Authority, Hey’Ya: Arab Women in Sport, which runs until 13 October 2013 at the National Football Museum in Manchester, UK, is an exhibition by the internationally renowned photographer Brigitte Lacombe and documentary maker Marian Lacombe. The title of the exhibition, Hey’Ya is Arabic for Let’s Go, reflecting the athletes’ energy and enthusiasm.

The exhibition features a series of large-scale photographs of Arab sportswomen, from beginners to Olympians, from 20 different Arab countries, shown alongside videos by Marian Lacombe.

The exhibition was conceived by Qatar Museums Authority to encourage more Arab girls to participate in sports and comes to Manchester as part of the Qatar UK 2013 Year of Culture celebrations.

The Year is a programme of cultural exchanges and events in Qatar and the UK coordinated by the British Council and Qatar Museums Authority which aims to forge new and support existing partnerships between the two countries in the arts, education, sport and science, while promoting an awareness and appreciation of each country’s culture, achievements and heritage.

The project was shot over a period of seven month starting in December 2011 when the Arab Games were held in Doha. With the support of the Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum, Brigitte and Marian Lacombe were able to set up their own outdoor studio, working side by side, capturing the athletes practicing different sports ranging from Tae Kwon Do to swimming and equestrian.

Amongst them were a number of Qatari girls, one of them Nada Mohamed Wafa, the first Qatari female swimmer to compete in the Olympic Games. Nada said “I am proud to be featured in this amazing exhibition. I enjoyed learning about UK culture last year when I competed in the London 2012 Olympic Games. I am excited that the exhibition is travelling to Manchester as part of Qatar UK 2013 Year of Culture; I hope people of the UK enjoy learning about my country’s culture as much as I did learning about theirs.”

Kevin Moore, Director of the National Football Museum, said: “We wanted to bring something different to Manchester, a truly global sports city.

“The National Football Museum is committed to raising awareness of the key role that women play in developing football and other sports, both now and historically and is committed to breaking down cultural and gender stereotypes.

“This exhibition is part of a programme to display the works of the world’s best photographers and artists and is a continuation of the NFM’s collaborations with cultural institutions, such as the Qatar Museum Authority, from all round the world.”

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Shariyah Review Bureau Validates Islamic Finance Qualification Workbook

To coordinate the push towards new Islamic markets, Islamic Finance Qualification (IFQ) Arabic Edition 5 will be released soon. Shariyah Review Bureau, the world's leading independent Shari’a Advisory firm was assigned to review and validate the Arabic Workbook’s content in light of AAOIFI Shari’a standards. “As a Shari’a Certification body, majorly serving the financial sectors at all levels of the Islamic industry we manage Shari’a compliance of the highest caliber financial institutes on a day-to-day basis. And while working with institutes and individuals we have practically seen the importance of qualified individuals with relevant Islamic financial knowledge. And the IFQ program instills the knowledge of practical applications and the governing rules of Shari’a prevalent in the Islamic market practices which we believe will bring the Islamic industry countless opportunities and long-term success.”

ESA Business School and Chartered Institute for Securities and Investments (CISI) have a global aim to help Islamic Industry professionals around the world equip themselves with a practical understanding of Islamic finance principles and products and its key distinguishing market factors. Commenting on the release Dr. Abdel Maoula Chaar, Head of Research and Development at ESA, said “The financial world is having a sweet moment in terms of the growth of Shari’a complaint products. The increase in Islamic assets, which has been gaining more and more momentum over the few years, is driving the once considered niche market towards internationalization and global reach, and changing some of the dynamics that have been established in the conventional financial markets. It is here that IFQ will help prepare the next generation of seasoned professionals by giving them insight into Shari’a compliant modalities, their distinguishing traits and modern market Islamic financial practices.”

About Shariyah Review Bureau

Shariyah Review Bureau (SRB) is the Corporate World’s leading Shari’a Advisor with scholarly presence in more than 7 countries from Middle East, North Africa and Asia. The breadth of geographical reach crossing national boundaries makes it one of few Shari’a consultancy bodies that can meet clients’ true international business requirements.

Licensed by the Central Bank of Bahrain and with offices in KSA, USA*, Egypt*, Kazakhstan*, Oman* and Kingdom of Bahrain, SRB serves asset managers, insurance and Banking institutes including, Tricon (Canada), U.B.A.F (France), Al Safa investment (Switzerland) United Arab Bank (Dubai), Tadhmon Capital (Bahrain), International Investment Bank (Bahrain), Al Khabeer International (Bahrain), OP Calypso (Hong Kong), and Al Wasatah Capital (KSA). SRB provides direct access to Shari’a experts while furnishing all substantial scholarly support resources with swift turnarounds in Shari’a Certifications (Fatawa) and speedy product structuring solutions to meet its clients’ strategic business needs. (*representative office)

About ESA Business School

Established in 1996 following an intergovernmental agreement between France and Lebanon, the ESA is a Business Management School dedicated to education of executives and managers in Lebanon and the Middle East. It is managed by the Paris Ile-de-France Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIR).

The ESA has become a beacon of academic excellence within Lebanon, and a platform for interactions and meetings between Europe, the Middle East and Lebanon.

Its mission is to form the elite of Lebanon and the region into the leaders of tomorrow.

Paying keen attention to businesses and their needs, the ESA assists them in developing their visions, and helps them to better achieve their objectives by training and coaching their executives and managers.

Situated in the center of Beirut, and the heart of the Middle East, the ESA thus asserts its reach as an important international school, which combines the talents of high-level learners and professors who rank among the world’s preeminent specialists.

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The Traditional Ramadan at Hotel Al Khozama

` The tradition of Ramadan runs very deep at Hotel Al Khozama, A Rosewood Hotel, which holds a distinguished position as one of the first hotels to open in the city. For more than 34 years guests have enjoyed the world-class cuisine and warm welcoming service provided by Hotel Al Khozama.

This year, with Ramadan taking place during the hot months of summer, guests at Hotel Al Khozama are assured of cool, convenient comfort at all three of the spectacular Ramadan venues in the hotel.
The renowned Arabic restaurant, Al Nakheel, with its panoramic views of Riyadh from its terrace, features a sumptuous buffet of Arabian traditional specialties for Iftar at SAR 160 and Sohour at SAR 135 including Ramadan beverages. Children up to 7 years are free and from 07 to 12 years 50% off.

Riyadh’s best known outdoor garden restaurant, the mist cooled Garden Barbeque, comfortable even during the hottest summer evenings, serves a wonderful variety of Barbeque and Arabic specialties. Guests who prefer an air-conditioned environment will find The Windrose Restaurant, the perfect place to enjoy iftar. . at SAR 195 including Ramadan beverages. Children up to 7 years are free and from 07 to 12 years SAR 97.50

With dedicated prayer areas and children’s entertainment on offer, Hotel Al Khozama ensures comfort and convenience in a real family-friendly environment

Hotel Al Khozama has partnered for the holy month of Ramadan with the renowned Al Jomaih automotive company this year.

So, during the holy month of Ramadan, we look forward to welcoming the city’s residents and visitors to Riyadh to our signature Ramadan offerings at Al Khozama Hotel.

To make a booking for Iftar or Suhoor, telephone +966.11.273.2222 or email: alkhozama@rosewoodhotels.com.

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UAE Ministry of Education unveils enhanced Microsoft-powered Call Center

Link Development integrates Advanced Automated Voice & Call Center Services to improve communication lines with students, parents & employees

The UAE Ministry of Education has launched an enhanced version of its dedicated Call Center featuring key Microsoft technologies that will further enhance communications with students, parents and employees.

Ever since the allocation of AED 9.9 billion or 22 per cent of the 2013 UAE federal budget for the education sector, the Ministry has been intensifying efforts to undertake major projects aimed at optimizing its services to students and parents. The Ministry’s focus on nurturing a highly modern educational system for the Emirates – as embodied by a technology-fortified Call Center – complements government-wide efforts to deliver the best and most developed services to citizens and residents.

LINK Development, a leading provider of integrated technology solutions across the Middle East, Africa and the Gulf, and the implementer of the Call Center solutions, explains that its Call Center solution comprises two parts, Automated Voice Services and Call Center Services.

The new Automated Voice Services is built on the powerful LYNC Server 2012 unified communications architecture. Through the platform students will be able to register online and access services such as academic performance updates. Students and parents will also be able to get important details such as school location, phone numbers and contacts, enrollment programs and Ministry information. The Automated Voice Services will be integrated with the Ministry’s systems to offer Call Center services via Interactive Voice Response (IVR) in both English and Arabic on a 24/7 basis.

The Call Center Services, on the other hand, will provide Call Center Agents with an efficient Customer Management Relationship solution based on Microsoft Dynamics CRM and a Voice solution powered by LYNC Server 2013. Through fully integrating the LYNC server with Dynamics CRM the solution will enable Call Center Agents to work seamlessly between LYNC and CRM solutions, cutting down on the time it takes to find the correct information and respond to incoming requests and inquiries hence maximizing their efficiency, productivity and improving customer satisfaction. In addition, Call Center Supervisors will be able to track all activities through monitoring screens and Call Recordings to ensure the services are constantly delivered according to the high level of quality the Ministry is always seeking to offer to its clients.

“The service enhancements we are delivering for the UAE Ministry of Education’s Call Center are part of an ongoing partnership aimed at establishing optimal communication lines between the Ministry and the public. Using leading Microsoft technologies and our integration capabilities we have equipped the Call Center with elements vital to clear, secure and timely interaction with students, parents and employees,” said Mohamed Abd El-Aziz, UAE Sales Manager, LINK Development.

While the 1st phase of the project is focused on offering services to the students and their parents, the 2nd phase of the project will enable the ministry employees to use the voice services to issue any needed papers like HR Letters, Pay slips…etc.

As Microsoft Gold Certified Partner – the highest level of partner certification from Microsoft – LINK Development is a trusted provider of Microsoft-enabled technology solutions across its global markets. LINK Development is headquartered in Egypt and has been operating in the UAE for more than 10 years. Its service portfolio covers internet & intranet portals, e-services automation, e-commerce, enterprise integration, Microsoft Dynamics CRM & ERP, mobile-based solutions, and infrastructure solutions.

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