ROGER DUBUIS CREATES EXCALIBUR MINUTE REPEATER IN ROSE GOLD

The new Excalibur collection has become more virile, its high-tech movements more visible, and its style more modern. In 2005, the ROGER DUBUIS Manufacture took the watch world by storm with the presentation of a highly unusual model that was as virile as it was original, the EXCALIBUR. With the EXCALIBUR collection, the young watch company proved that “value is not a question of years”, further evidence of the astonishing symbiosis that characterises the Brand, a masterful combination of ancestral watchmaking savoir-faire and a boldly modern style.

The Excalibur line is celebrating the most delicate of its complications, the minute repeater, dressed in rose gold. Much of the impeccable Poinçon de Genève finishing of the complex movement can be admired through the openworked dial. The tourbillon, positioned at 5 o’clock, is set off by a rose gold ring enclosed by stylistic grey lines, while a double flange with a minute circle and rose gold appliques, in black and grey respectively, gives the dial greater depth. The hand-sewn alligator strap is enhanced with a rose gold folding clasp. This exclusive model comes in a single limited series of 28.

Hand-wound mechanical movement, 16’’’, 61 jewels, rhodium-plated, Côtes de Genève motif. Stamped with the Poinçon de Genève quality hallmark. Double flying tourbillon with differential, tourbillon cages visible between 4 and 5 o’clock, and 7 and 8 o’clock. Both tourbillons make one revolution per minute, power reserve indicator visible at back of case, jumping hour (360°), retrograde dragging minute between 9 and 3 o’clock (180°). Number of components: 413

Equipped with the brand new self-winding mechanical movement, one of the collection’s very latest models, the pierced tourbillon, reveals both its micro-rotor and flying tourbillon. The rose gold fillets outline the mother-of-pearl area on a dial designed with a circle theme and accentuate the strength of the large Roman numerals. The rose gold case is complemented by a hand-sewn alligator strap fitted with a rose gold folding clasp. This exclusive model comes in a single limited series of 88.

EXCALIBUR, bi-retrograde jumping date. The subtle play of the Arabic numerals, which border the two symmetrical anthracite bi-retrograde date zones, blends harmoniously with the white gold applique hour-markers. The black inner flange, punctuated with Arabic numerals, encircles the dial and gives it its strong character. This brand new movement, which enriches the Manufacture’s range of products, is housed in a white gold case. The hand-sewn alligator strap is fitted with a white gold folding clasp.

This exclusive model comes in a single limited series of 88. 

MANDARIN ORIENTAL ANNOUNCES THREE NEW CELEBRITY FANS FOR GLOBAL BRAND ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN

Dubai, 6 September 2010 - 'Mandarin Orientals http://www.mandarinoriental.com USD multi-million global print advertising campaign ''"Hes a Fan/Shes a Fan" http://www.mandarinoriental.com/our_fans, continues to gather 'fans' from

around the world. This year, the Group is delighted to add three new fans to the tally of celebrities who regularly stay at Mandarin Oriental hotels.

Gifted international singer, songwriter, pianist and actor Harry Connick, Jr.,often referred to as the Frank Sinatra of today, has received a multitude of

accolades over his career. These include three Grammy awards and an Emmy, as

well as several acting nominations. Connick is a particular 'fan' of The

Landmark Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong, where he performed in 2009 to a

spellbound audience at an intimate evening in the hotel's stylish MO Bar. He

cites the property as "one of the greatest hotels I've ever stayed in." Mary

McCartney, the Group's official campaign photographer, captured Connick in the

tropical surrounds of Mandarin Oriental, Sanya.

The elegant and graceful French pianist, Hélène Grimaud was photographed near to

her home in Switzerland. Grimaud performs at concerts worldwide, and has the

unusual gift of experiencing synaesthesia (seeing music as colour). She

particularly enjoys staying at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London, as she often

performs in the city's famous music venues. Grimaud discovered the piano at the

age of seven, and launched her professional career at the age of 18 with a solo

recital in Paris <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paris>. She is also known for her

passion for wolves, which she both studies and raises.

Rising star Sa Ding Ding was born in Inner Mongolia and is a powerful and

sophisticated singer, musician, composer and choreographer. A product of modern

China, she melds Eastern and Western music, even singing in Sanskrit and

Tibetan, and has created her own language where new words are formed from the

emotions evoked by music. McCartney's

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portrait of the performer beautifully captures her colourful and vibrant

personality and was taken during a recent tour in the UK, where the singer was a

guest of Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London. Sa Ding Ding's newest album is

entitled 'Harmony'.

The campaign which is the creation of advertising gurus, Alan Jarvie and Michael

Moszynski, who head up LONDON Advertising, continues to increase Mandarin

Oriental's brand awareness globally. The campaign simply and elegantly connects

Mandarin Oriental's well-recognized symbol - the fan - with international

celebrities who regularly stay at the hotels and are true fans of the Group.

Earlier additions to the campaign were photographed by celebrated photographer

and British royal, Lord Patrick Lichfield who sadly passed away in 2005. The

Group appointed renowned portrait photographer Mary McCartney in 2006 who

photographs each celebrity in a location of their choice which, for them, best

represents a feeling of well-being.  In appreciation of their support, the Group

makes a donation to each celebrity's individual choice of charity.

"We continue to be delighted with the campaign, which celebrates 10 years this

year, and believe it makes a strong statement about our Group in a simple and

luxurious manner.  By focusing on celebrities who clearly appreciate the finer

things in life, we have been able to show the quality of our hotels in a far

more interesting way than traditional hotel advertising", says Jill Kluge,

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group's Director of Brand Communications.

Harry Connick Jr., Hélène Grimaud and Sa Ding Ding join Mandarin Oriental's 17

existing fans: IM Pei, Lance Armstrong, Michelle Yeoh, Jane Seymour, Kenzo

Takada, Jerry Hall, Vanessa Mae, Vivienne Tam, Barry Humphries, Frederick

Forsyth, Darcey Bussell, Bryan Ferry, Liam Neeson, Helen Mirren, Maggie Cheung,

Sigourney Weaver and Sir David Tang.

More information about Mandarin Oriental's fans can be found on the Group's

website at www.mandarinoriental.com &http://www.mandarinoriental.com

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group is the award-winning owner and operator of some of

the world's most prestigious hotels, resorts and residences. Mandarin Oriental

now operates, or has under development, 41 hotels representing over 10,000 rooms

in 27 countries, with 17 hotels in Asia, 12 in The Americas and 12 in Europe,

Middle East and North Africa. In addition, the Group operates, or has under

development, 13 Residences at Mandarin Oriental, connected to the Group's

properties.

.

HOLLYWOOD STAR ANDY GARCIA & BAUME & MERCIER JOIN HANDS FOR A NOBLE CAUSE

To celebrate the fifth edition of its Baume & Mercier & Me charity campaign, the Geneva-based watch brand is associating with actor Andy Garcia as the new star ambassador of its now famous humanitarian initiative.

The philanthropic mechanism of this campaign is both simple and effective: Andy Garcia, like the Hollywood celebrities in the previous campaigns, is offering voluntary use of his reputation and his image by serving as a Baume & Mercier ambassador for a full year – in exchange for the brand providing financial support to the charities of his choice.

All royalties normally due to Andy Garcia, as well as those of photographer Greg Gorman, will be donated to several organizations working in the fields of cancer research, child education, helping underprivileged women and the struggle against poverty – all causes that Baume & Mercier has been actively supporting for some time now.

The Baume & Mercier & Me charity campaign first launched in 2005 was one of the first of its kind. But the brand’s commitment to others goes much further back. Arthur Baume, son of one of the founders of the Maison Baume and director of the Baume & Co subsidiary company in London, personally undertook to help the city’s French hospital during World War I. He served as Chairman of the establishment, thereby taking over from his uncle and predecessor Celestin Baume in the 19th century.

In 1920, Arthur Baume was rewarded for his devotion by the French President Raymond Poincaré, who presented him with the Legion of Honour. During World War II, the Chairman of Baume & Mercier, Constantin de Gorski, was also actively involved in the activities of the Red Cross in Geneva. Since the 1920s, the brand has consistently striven to defend noble causes relating to the environment, children and medical research, and Baume & Mercier now continues to cultivate this philanthropic legacy in an innovative way through its Baume & Mercier & Me campaign.

Previously, actress Evangeline Lilly (Lost) and actor David Duchovny (X-Files) associated with the fourth edition of the Baume & Mercier & Me campaign, representing the Geneva-based brand in order to join it in supporting charity projects. All royalties for the two celebrities, as well as those of photographers Michael O’Neill and Markus Klinko & Indrani who shot their portraits, are donated to charities selected in cooperation with Evangeline Lilly and David Duchovny. The causes supported by this campaign include cancer research, child education, helping underprivileged women and the struggle against poverty

This campaign enables Baume & Mercier to convey, in an authentically committed manner, the three values forming the essence of its brand identity: proximity, authenticity and creativity.

Proximity through the association with famous personalities well-known to the general public, who nonetheless remain accessible and are prepared to engage in helping others. In the same way, within the world of luxury watchmaking, Baume & Mercier has managed to remain an accessible brand producing watches that become intimate possessions for their owners. Therein lies the true meaning of the slogan Baume & Mercier & Me. These close ties are visually illustrated by the close-up shots of Evangeline Lilly and David Duchovny, who reveal themselves without artifice, as they are in daily life, in order to serve good causes that touch them profoundly.

Authenticity through an approach based on heart-felt values: the personalities who take part in the Baume & Mercier & Me campaign do so pro bono, in order to serve noble causes they share with the brand. This authenticity echoes that which undergirds Baume & Mercier’s entire approach to watchmaking, building on 179 years of uninterrupted history and expertise to craft genuine Swiss watches.

Creativity through a new and unprecedented relationship between a watch brand and its ambassadors. Exactly like the technical and aesthetic creativity for which Baume &

Mercier watches have been famous over the decades, while remaining deeply rooted in the timeless values of Swiss watchmaking.

 The previous Baume & Mercier & Me campaigns were created in cooperation with Meg Ryan and Kiefer Sutherland (2006), Kim Basinger and Gary Sinise (2007), Teri Hatcher and Ashton Kutcher (2008).

For this campaign, Andy Garcia wears a Baume & Mercier Classima Executives XL MOAO 8688 steel watch. This classic, timelessly elegant watch with its guilloché dial featuring an opening that reveals the balance, is a perfect match with his personality. With its Roman numerals, straight-line guilloché dial and blued hands, it features the best of traditional watchmaking interpreted in a contemporary manner ideally suited to all circumstances.

The ideal watch for classic yet relaxed personalities such as Andy Garcia.

Dar Al Ibtisam Ladies Garments Opened in Rolla, Sharjah

Deepa Ganesh, the famous Malayalam singer and RJ in the United Arab Emirates and the General Manager of Asia Vision Advertising inaugurated Dar Al Ibtisam Ladies Garments, a new showroom for ladies' garments in Rolla, Sharjah. "We have a wide variety of ladies garments in stock to cater to the various segments of the market, in terms of fashion, quality, price and material," said Meenu Rajkumar, Managing Director.

Germany’s popularity among GCC travellers unabated

Dubai, 01 September 2010 – The number of overnight stays by GCC nationals in Germany increased by 16.4% during the first five months of 2010. During this time 243,759 overnight stays were recorded. Compared to the same period of 2008, that is before the economic downturn, the number of overnight stays by GCC travellers in Germany recorded a 30,3% increase, from 187,004 to 243,759. With the central European country as popular as ever with tourists from the Gulf region, Germany is gearing up to welcome Arab guests who will be visiting the country during Eid Al Fitr holiday. As Germany is home to a large Muslim population, it offers tailor-made holiday packages that are suitable for every taste. Visitors are guaranteed to enjoy a memorable holiday experience during “Eid Al Fitr”.

“Germany is the second most visited European country by travellers from the Arabian Gulf,” said Antje Roeding, Director for the Gulf countries at the German National Tourist Office. “Germany has wonderful nature, picturesque towns, excellent hotels, high-class restaurants and varied shopping opportunities. Most importantly, we offer our guests from the GCC region our German hospitality, which shows itself both in the famous German quality of service as well as in the warmth of the welcome we extend to each and everyone who is visiting our nation,” she added.

Over the past few years, there has been a rapid increase in the number of GCC tourists who spend their holidays in Germany. Statistics recently published by the German Federal Statistics Office show that the number of overnight stays by GCC nationals in Germany during the first five months of 2010 has reached 243,759 nights. In comparison with the same period in 2009, this number indicates a 16.4% increase in overnight stays. In comparison to the same period of 2008, before the economic crisis, the number of overnight stays by visitors from the GCC to Germany rose by 30,3%.The increase in tourism from the Arabian Gulf region was among the highest of all regions in the world.

There are plenty of sights to see and things to do in Germany this Eid holiday. Germany boasts 27 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The country encompasses a rich ensemble of historical sites, architectural monuments as well as swaths of natural reserves and river landscapes.

Special offers for Arab guests include luxury hotels that do not only employ Arabic-speaking staff, but also offer special menus and reserve entire floors for their regular visitors from the Gulf region. This has made Germany one of the preferred destinations for travellers from the Gulf region.

The Eid holiday in Germany is destined to be especially attractive, as there are many possibilities to celebrate in an Islamic atmosphere in cities all over the country. Similar to Muslim countries, mosques in Germany are usually decorated with lights, and various restaurants offer Halal food. Nice promenades with all kinds of cafés and restaurants are considered a wonderful gathering spot for families to celebrate the Eid Holidays while they can enjoy a nice "Kaffee und Kuchen" (Coffee and Cake), a typical German tradition when celebrating a festival.

A whole-day trip to amusement parks is a traditional Eid celebration for Arab families with children. Europa-Park in Rust, close to Freiburg, is Germany’s biggest theme park. It awaits visitors with a concept of thirteen different European areas that offer more than 100 attractions and shows. Europe´s biggest non-profit children, youth and family centre “FEZ Berlin” or the “Legoland Discovery Centre” in Berlin, are also among the country’s various attractions. Another popular destination for families is the Phantasialand amusement park  in Brühl near Cologne which attracts approximately 2 million visitors annually. Many theatres and museums across Germany’s largest cities arrange extra events for families as well.

For youngsters, Germany’s various clubs are a must-visit this holiday season. They can enjoy the musical night scene and celebrate the Eid holiday with friends.

The increase in the number of GCC visitors to Germany over the past few years has enabled the organization to identify their needs and adapt accordingly. For instance, many of Germany’s major cities have begun to offer guidebooks in Arabic and to rent out furnished apartments for families, as an alternative to hotel rooms.

Germany’s efforts are greatly aided by its almost 30 representative offices throughout the world. Of those, the GNTO in Dubai is responsible for promoting Germany in all the major markets of the Gulf: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

Whether seeking cost-efficient or luxury vacations, travellers to Germany have a variety of itineraries from which to choose. The picturesque German scenery includes lakes, forests and snow-capped mountains, making it ideal for a wide range of outdoor pursuits including hiking, rowing, horse-riding and skiing. Its modern cities offer an eclectic mix of cultural activities and are home to some of the most popular shopping districts in Europe, while families with small children can enjoy exploring the country’s many amusement and leisure parks.

Some people believe that the respect for personal freedom in Germany has contributed immensely to increasing the number of Arab tourists flocking to Germany. Moreover, Germany is the most affordable luxury tourist destination anywhere in Western Europe. The country has an excellent quality-price ratio in hotel accommodation, with rates for overnight stays in German cities relatively low compared to other European destinations. In 2009 the average price for a hotel room in Germany was 80 Euros, whereas in the rest of the European Union one would need to pay 94 Euros on an average.

MIDDLE EAST TOURISTS FLOCK TO SRI LANKA AS H1 2010 TOURIST ARRIVALS SURGE 102%

Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau’s (SLTPB) Middle East office reported an enormous surge of Arab travellers as Middle East Tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka rose by an unprecedented 102 per cent in the first six months of 2010 compared to the same period last year, according to statistics compiled by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority.

“Regardless of apprehensions of an unsteady global economy, Middle East’s discerning travellers are spending time and money on travel and Sri Lanka has been one of the preferred destinations of choice with a meteoric rise in tourists during H1 2010,” observed Ms Heba Al Mansoori, Middle East Director of SLTPB.

"We have just closed in on the results of the first six months of 2010 and we're up 102% as compared to H1 2009," Ms Al Mansoori said. "While 2009 was when the recovery process started, with the end of three decades of war, the rebound has been robust and rapid and the recovery is being driven and led by the Middle East with strong growth from key markets including the UAE up by 209%, Saudi Arabia up by 96% and Kuwait up by 50%."

Sri Lanka’s tourism industry is resilient and the government is sparing no efforts to revitalize the tourism industry as they recognize that tourism has a key role to play in the country’s economic recovery and stability.

“Our outlook remains positive for the rest of the year as we have successfully built a relationship of trust with both regional consumers and the travel trade and will continue to reap benefits with the gradually improving economic situation,” Ms Al Mansoori stated.

Apart from the Middle East, regions that proved to be a major source market for Sri Lanka and recorded growth in H1 2010 included North America (up by 70%), Western Europe (up by 45%), Eastern Europe (up by 22%), Africa (up by 18%), East Asia (up by 44%), South Asia (up by 53%) and Australasia (up by 44%).

While commenting on SLTPB’s Middle East marketing drive, Ms. Al Mansoori said, “We have had to adapt to the changing needs of the consumers and capitalize on trends such as late booking, increasing use of the internet to look and book by increasing Sri Lanka’s presence in the web domain regionally.”

Ms. Al Mansoori noted that in the Middle East in particular, travelling closer and for shorter periods of time and demanding value for money, seem to have been accentuated during the post crisis period. “The regional outbound market is evolving and inescapably requires changes as we need to know and understand consumers better to be able to market to them,” she said.

SLTPB opened its office in Dubai in May 2008 to maximize the opportunities emerging throughout the Middle East while strengthening support for the travel trade in the region. Since then the Dubai office has co-ordinated all of Sri Lanka’s tourism promotional activities in the Arab markets including exhibition participation, marketing visits, presentations and road shows, brochure distribution, public relations, as well as familiarization visits to the island for influential business and travel journalists. The office also functions as the preliminary contact point and enquiry processing centre for travel trade companies and tourists in the region.

Sri Lanka is now on the threshold of developing to its full potential as a prime tourism destination with diverse offerings for members of the whole family whether it is beaches, shopping, visits to wildlife reserves, relaxing at a spa, or simply enjoying the cuisine.

ROWENTA BRUSH ACTIV DELIVERS PROFESSIONAL RESULTS LIKE A HAIR DRESSER

Rowenta - an eminent brand associated with personal care equipment - such as hair dryers and epilators, has launched the new improved Brush Activ 1000 with higher wattage & more comfortable handle that delivers professional results. The product was launched recently by Groupe SEB in the UAE and the Gulf.

Rowenta’s Brush Activ 1000 employs an ionic system which automatically emits negative ions which reduce static electricity. The Brush Activ removes frizz effect and makes it easier to manage unruly hair and makes them shiny.

The brush is coated with ceramic material and it distributes a soft and homogeneous radiant heat and reinforces the ionic effect.

The brush rotates automatically and reproduces the professional hairdresser’s gesture while drying simultaneously.  Brush Activ employs a bi-directional movement for a well-structured brushing with inwards or outwards hair style. Hot air is diffused by the brush directly into the hair which results in more volume.

Other features of the Brush Activ include an anti-tangling patented system with thick bristles, but with right flexiblility, to better catch the hair and avoid tangling. There are two brushes, a 30mm small diameter for thin and mid-long hair while the big diameter (50mm) is for long, thick hair.

A lock brush system fixes the brush on the appliance and two brush protectors ensures safety after use and keeps the brush in efficient condition.