Tradition Indian art forms brought to life at Utsavam 2010 The three-day International Koodiyattam and Kathakali Festival is being organized by Thiranottam with the support of Consulate General of India in Dubai

Dubai, December 1, 2010: Thiranottam, a not for profit organization created to inculcate interest

and promote tradition Indian cultural arts in the UAE, announced that it will host Utsavam ’10 –

an International Koodiyattam and Kathakali Festival. The event will be held at the HRH Princess

Haya Bint al Hussein Theater at GEMS Wellington International School, Dubai from December

2 to December 4, 2010.

The three-day event, which will encompass various forms of classical Indian dance and theater

forms, is being held in association with the Consulate General of India. With its dedication

to celebrating classical art forms of Kerala, the event will be a treat for the aficionados of

Koodiyattam, Kathakali and other rich art forms of Kerala.

Entry to the Festival is free.

Over the last four years, ‘Thiranottom’ has been consistently pursuing its historical cultural

mission through numerous performances of Kathakali, Koodiyattam and other traditional South

Indian dance forms. The organization also conducts seminars and study classes with the

intention of making these arts popular among the general public here.

All performances at Utsavam ‘10 will present celebrated classical dance, song and music in

perfect harmony exploring powerful rhythms, expressions of culture and sacred mythological

history of Kerala. As in the previous years, eminent maestros in the field of Kathakali and

Koodiyattam will perform at the festival.

The event will witness performances of Koodiyaattam, a classical Sanskrit theatre native to

Kerala. This is the only surviving form of ancient Sanskrit theatre, known for its highly stylized

expressions. Koodiyaattam is considered to the epitome of Indian theater.. This rich and

elaborate art form has been recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and

Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as a ‘Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of

Humanity’.

Utsavam will also celebrate Kathakali; a highly stylized classical dance-drama with

performances of Kathakali is an extremely elaborate dance form, which is enacted using

mudras and the elegant and awe-inspiring looks of its characters, body movement and nimble

footwork.

Demonstrating the gentle art of Kathakali will be Padmasree Kalamandalam Gopi performing

as Nalan and Rugmaangadan, Sadanam Krishnan Kutty as Hamsam and Hanuman, Margi

Vijayakumar as Seetha and Mohini, and Koodiyattam by Margi Madhu doing Ravanan, Pothiyil

Ranjith Chakyar presenting Dhananjayan and Sooraj Nambiar as Shanghuvarnnan.

‘Nangyar Kooth’ by Usha Nangar and ‘Thayampaka’ by Poroor Unnikrishnan are the other major

events of the 3 day festival.

Other noted performers at the festival are Kalanilayam Gopi, Kalamandalam Mukundan,

Kalamandalam Babu Namboothiri, Kalamandalam Vinod, Kalanilayam Rajiv, Kalamandalam

Unnikrishnan, Sadanam Ramakrishnan, Kalamandalam Rajanarayanan, Kalanilayam Manoj,

Kalamandalam Hariharan and Kalamandalam Rajiv.

For more information on the schedule of events, please contact 050-7760410 or

contact@thiranottom.org.

Website: www.thiranottam.org

Armani Hotels & Resorts exhibits at the Arabian Travel Market 2009

Dubai, UAE; May 5, 2009: Armani Hotels & Resorts, a collaboration between Emaar Properties PJSC and Giorgio Armani S.p.A, will showcase the flagship Armani Hotel Dubai at its pavilion at the prestigious Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2009 in Dubai from 5 to 8 May 2009.

Located in the iconic Burj Dubai, the world’s tallest building, construction of the Armani Hotel Dubai is progressing according to plan, with completion scheduled before the end of 2009.

Bringing to life the “Stay with Armani” lifestyle, Armani Hotel Dubai will feature 160 luxuriously appointed guest rooms and suites that have been, along with the entire hotel, personally designed by Giorgio Armani, one of the foremost fashion icons in the world. The opening of the hotel will mark the official debut of Giorgio Armani in the world of hospitality.

Giorgio Armani said: “Armani Hotel Dubai is a passionate project for me. I have been fascinated by the evolution of Dubai, and Burj Dubai will be an iconic building of the city.”

He added: “With the hotel, I am bringing the “Stay with Armani” promise to reality. I have been personally involved in all aspects of the hotel’s design and every component has been carefully conceived to create an exquisite and intimate lifestyle experience.”

Exclusively located from Concourse to Level 8, and on Levels 38 and 39 of the iconic Burj Dubai, the hotel will have a dedicated “Grand Entrance”, and will introduce several firsts to the region, including the highly sought-after Armani/Spa, which will be the world’s first ever in-hotel Armani/Spa. It will feature the Middle East’s first Armani/Privé – the hip and upmarket nightclub – and also house an Armani/Fiori floral shop, an Armani/Dolci shop and an Armani/Galleria.

“Armani Hotel Dubai will be an icon for the global hospitality industry – both in terms of its inimitable location and the personal involvement in all aspects of design by Giorgio Armani himself,” said Mohamed Alabbar, Chairman, Emaar Properties. “The opening of this world-first hospitality initiative is another testimony to Dubai’s ability to implement innovative projects through international collaborations.”

Alabbar added that Armani Hotel Dubai builds further on the strong tradition of hospitality in the region. “Hospitality is the driving force of tourism, and with Armani Hotel Dubai we are confident of developing a new niche in the global tourism sector.”

With its unparalleled diversity of choices, the hotel will define new standards in hospitality services, and will be differentiated by Giorgio Armani’s personal touch in its design and décor. The hotel will be further complemented by the Armani Residences Dubai, also located in Burj Dubai, which were launched to strong international investor response.

The hotel will be home to the finest food and beverage choices, including authentic Italian, Japanese and Mediterranean cuisine, and a modern Indian restaurant. With emphasis on the highest service standards, Armani Hotel Dubai will include 24-hour in-room dining and in-residence entertainment, and round-the-clock valet services and access to the Business Centre.

Additionally, the hotel will offer Armani/Events, a specialized events service that builds on Dubai’s global standing as a conference and meetings destination. Under this initiative the Armani Hotel Dubai will offer 30,000 sq ft of conference and banqueting facilities – including the Armani/Ballroom and the Armani/Pavilion, a spacious outdoor area for up to 350 guests. The hotel will also have multi-function meeting rooms, dedicated boardrooms and flexible meeting lounges.

The Armani Hotel Dubai was the first hotel to be announced under the exclusive collaboration between Emaar Properties and Giorgio Armani S.p.A to launch a collection of hotels, resorts and residences across key cities worldwide.

Other projects announced include the Armani Residences in Dubai, also in Burj Dubai; the Armani Hotel in Milan, Italy; a resort in Marrakech, Morocco, and the Armani Residences in Marassi, Egypt, which is the first villa offering under the Armani Residences umbrella.

Emaar Properties records 2008 annual net operating profit of AED 5.578 billion (US$ 1.519 billion)

Dubai, UAE; February 12, 2009: Global property developer Emaar Properties PJSC has recorded annual net operating profits of AED 5.578 billion (US$ 1.519 billion) in 2008, 15 per cent lower than the net operating profits of AED 6.575 billion (US$ 1.790 billion) in 2007. Annual revenue was lower by 10 per cent to AED 16.015 billion (US$ 4.360 billion), from AED 17.869 billion (US$ 4.865 billion) in 2007. Earnings per share for the year relating to profit from operating activities in 2008 was AED 0.92 (US$ 0.25) compared to AED 1.08 (US$ 0.29) in the previous financial year.

Following the policy of conservative accounting, the Company recorded an inventory write down AED 0.919 billion (US$ 0.250 billion) relating to real estate inventory in J L Homes, US in the fourth quarter of 2008, where the economy is facing an unprecedented economic crisis. The Company recorded a profit of AED 0.924 billion (US$ 0.252 billion) prior to considering the aforementioned inventory write down in the fourth quarter and recorded a profit of AED 6.662 billion (US$ 1.814 billion) for the year prior to considering the total inventory write down during 2008. The lower revenue of AED 3.495 billion (US$ 0.952 billion) and operating profit of AED 0.924 billion (US$ 0.252 billion) for the fourth-quarter (October to December) 2008 (prior to considering the impact of inventory write down) has resulted in lower overall results for the year 2008. This is primarily due to slowing down of the real estate market in Dubai resulting from the current state of the global financial climate.

Emaar is concentrating on completing all the projects, which have commenced construction and have put new projects/ launches on hold to assist in reducing the real estate property supply in Dubai. The new launches in 2009 will be dependent on the review of the demand and supply situation at various income segment levels.

In view of the unprecedented slow down in the US real estate market, Emaar also decided to write down its investment in J L Homes by a total of AED 1.773 billion (US$ 0.483 billion) during the fourth quarter in order to be conservative in accounting for such an investment. This has resulted in the complete goodwill amount of AED 2.523 billion (US$ 0.687 billion) relating to J L Homes having been written off during 2008.

Mr Mohamed Alabbar, Chairman, Emaar Properties, said: “The primary focus of Emaar in the last quarter of the year was to mitigate the negative impact of the global financial crisis by facing up to the new economic realities and identifying innovative strategies to sustain businesses in an unprecedented downturn. We have placed emphasis on optimising resource use efficiency and maximising productivity, and will continue to build on our strategy of business segmentation and geographic expansion.”




He added: “This will continue to be our business approach in 2009 too, as we continuously strive to maximize shareholder value. Our expansion into other countries and new businesses including shopping malls, hospitality & leisure and education gained traction in 2008. We are thankful to our shareholders, who placed their unwavering trust in our efforts to maintain long-term sustainability.”

Mr Alabbar said that Emaar’s strategic growth objectives have been complemented by the initiatives of the Dubai Government under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President & Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. “Rising up to face the economic concerns and boost market confidence, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed initiated several measures including the setting up of The Advisory Council, a high-level committee that will evaluate and recommend policies for economic growth. The Dubai Government is also focused on encouraging public spending and infrastructure development, which will in turn boost the property sector in the coming months.”

Business consolidation:
Emaar Properties marked year 2008 with several milestones in its growth including the opening of The Dubai Mall, one of the world’s largest shopping and entertainment destinations, and The Address, Downtown Burj Dubai, the first hotel brand to be owned and operated by Emaar.

Emaar also opened the Dubai Marina Mall and Dubai Marina Yacht Club, further additions to the company’s shopping malls and hospitality & leisure portfolio. This year, Emaar will open two hotels – The Address, Dubai Mall and The Address, Dubai Marina. “The emphasis on our new businesses also highlights our commitment to create integrated, self-sustaining neighbourhoods that energise the economy,” said Mr Alabbar. “Our varied projects have created several hundred direct and indirect jobs, thus assisting the economy during a crucial phase.”

In Dubai, Emaar is progressing with the construction of Burj Dubai, which will open this year. “Revisiting the project pipeline is a natural response to the new economic realities. We have also been negotiating with our partners to rationalize the project cost benefiting our shareholders and customers,” added Mr Alabbar.

Taking a thought-leadership role in strengthening investor confidence, Emaar had announced the ‘To Own’ scheme featuring the ‘Plan to Own’ and ‘Rent to Own,’ programmes - both of which have enabled customers to own property under more affordable terms within Emaar’s world-class master-planned communities in Dubai.

Strategic partnerships:
The 11-year-old company also strengthened its long-term growth goals through strategic partnerships locally and internationally. One of the highlights of year 2008 was the Memorandum of Understanding signed between Emaar Misr for Development, Emaar’s Egyptian subsidiary, and the Abu Dhabi Municipality to develop the 2.2 million sq m Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Residential City in Cairo. The social housing project also marks Emaar’s all-encompassing development approach of meeting the lifestyle needs of all sections of the society.

Emaar also entered into a joint venture agreement with His Royal Highness Prince Meshal Bin AbdulAziz Al Saud, Chairman of Saudi Arabia’s Bayah Council, and owner of Al-Shoala Group of Establishment, to develop a 31 million sq m master-planned community, Rawabi Rumah, located near Riyadh.


Mr Alabbar said: “These global partnerships are an indication of the forward looking policies that govern the growth of Emaar. We are committed to enhancing value for all our stakeholders, and will look at building the company’s success further through innovation, by leveraging the opportunities that co-exist with current challenges.”

Emirates Gas further reduces price of LP Gas cylinders

Dubai, January 31, 2009: Emirates Gas has further reduced the price of 22-kg LP Gas cylinders from AED 96 to AED 86, marking an 18 per cent reduction in price in the past two months. The revised price highlights the commitment of Emirates Gas to further enable Dubai residents to meet the unprecedented challenges posed by the global financial crisis.

Commenting on the new initiative, Saeed Abdullah Khoory, ENOC Group Chief Executive said: “The impact of the global financial crisis is being felt across the world, affecting customer confidence. The Dubai Government is taking concerted efforts to boost market sentiment, and to complement the Government initiatives, Emirates Gas has decided to further reduce the price of LG gas cylinders. This is the second price cut in the past two months offered by Emirates Gas.”

Hesham Ali Mustafa, General Manager, Emirates Gas, said: “The price reduction is part of our commitment to pass on benefits in costs to our customers in line with international trends. We have also introduced several safety features and other value-added services including maintenance and free replacement of cylinders that are 15 years old. These further reiterate the highest safety standards followed by Emirates Gas.”

In the last eight months, Emirates Gas changed over 200,000 cylinders incorporating new self-closing valves. The new valves have high-impact strength and are equipped with safety features like protective gaskets and domestic pressure regulators with an automatic cut-off mechanism to stop the flow of gas in case of a leakage. The regulator also has a fusible plug which will melt in case of fire.

“We continuously upgrade our services with initiatives such as online ordering and customised inventory management. Emirates Gas is continuously exploring ways to provide cost-effective solutions to our customers,” Mustafa added.

As the leading supplier in the UAE for LP Gas, Propane and Aerosol propellants, Emirates Gas also offers a range of eco-friendly products. Emirates Gas Aerosol Propellant (EGAP), one of its premium products, is a substitute for ozone depleting CFC products used in the perfume / deodorant industry and Cutting Edge Gas which is a replacement for Acetylene in the fabrication industry.

Emaar Education opens Raffles International School (Nursery) in Downtown Burj Dubai and Emirates Living

Dubai, UAE; January 17, 2009: Emaar Education, the education subsidiary of Emaar Properties, is opening two Raffles International School (Nursery) in two of Dubai’s most sought-after residential communities – Downtown Burj Dubai and Emirates Living - this month. The nursery in Downtown Burj Dubai will open on January 18 in Old Town and the Springs Town Centre Nursery in Emirates Living will open on January 20.

Emaar Education is currently undertaking admission for the Raffles International School (Nursery) for both locations. The Old Town Nursery, with an eventual capacity of 200 children, is now open for admissions for the January batch, with an initial intake of only 80 children. The Springs Town Centre Nursery, with a capacity of 120 children, already has a waiting list, and Emaar Education is currently accepting advance booking for the next academic year. Both nurseries follow the same curriculum and will have a similar student intake initially.

Designed in line with the holistic student development approach of Raffles International School, the nurseries will feature an array of facilities including outdoor play area, and fully-equipped medical room. The Old Town Nursery will also feature a soft play room and coffee lounge. Focused on the personal, social and emotional development of children, the Raffles International School (Nursery) will follow the specialised ‘Early Years Programme’ that helps unlock the child’s creative potential and maximize learning through sensory, visual, auditory and kinetic learning experiences.



Mr Boon Yew Ng, Chief Executive Officer, Emaar Education, said: “The opening of the Raffles International School (Nursery) reiterates the focus of Emaar Education to offer the full-spectrum of educational avenues to meet the needs of the society. Research has proven that young children learn best through creative play experiences and exploration, and the Old Town Nursery and Springs Town Centre Nursery follow a creative approach to develop independent learning, curiosity and enthusiasm in the children.”

Ms Lynn Nolan, Head of Nurseries, Raffles International School, explained: “The importance of play and active, exploratory learning cannot be underestimated. We have therefore carefully designed each classroom and subject area with high-quality educational equipment, to enrich and enthuse the child to safely explore and discover. Thus, the opportunities for children to self-manage or self-direct their learning are encouraged, within a safe, child-centred and nurturing environment.”

Both the educational institutions will have an international team of teaching and non-teaching staff to reflect the cosmopolitan population of Dubai. Parental involvement will be encouraged and several activities are planned to enhance parent-teacher-child interaction. Open for children from 18 months to 4 years of age, the nurseries will engage them in four groups according to age: 18 months to 2 years; 2 to 2.5 years; 2.5 to 3 years and 3 to 4 years.

The nurseries encourage the development of self-esteem, independence, self-help skills, language and communication, and social and creative development. Another key area will be mathematical reasoning development, with the area of learning to cover sorting, matching, counting objects, pairing, seeking shapes, making connections, working with shapes, space and volume, and developing mathematical language.

Complementing these areas will be activities that encourage physical development such as music and movement and a range of outdoor play equipment. Children will also have the opportunity to engage in arts and crafts, messy play and water activities. Each part of the programme is designed to create a holistic learning experience, which is safe, well-planned and above all, fun.

Parents can contact Raffles International School (Nursery) at (+971) 4 427 1451 or email: enquiries@rafflesis.com.

The Old Town Nursery is located at Old Town, Downtown Burj Dubai Qamardeen Residence, and the timings are from 8am to 2pm. The nursery will also offer a day-care service until 5pm, which will be based on registration and availability. Priority in admission will be given to children of residents within Downtown Burj Dubai and will be strictly on a first-come-first-serve basis.

Emaar Education already runs six international schools and nurseries in Dubai; one international school in both Singapore and India; The Raffles Campus School of Hospitality in Dubai, Singapore and Vietnam; and plans to open several new institutions in the region.