News from Dubai

Acid jazz masters The Brand New Heavies will perform at the Skywards Dubai International Jazz Festival on February 17th 2010 at Dubai Media City.

“The Brand New Heavies show will greatly add on to the festival, they are considered a legendary name in the world of acid jazz music genre as well as for their regional fan base, we are sure their show will be remarkable and exciting” said Anthony Younes, founder and organizer of the festival.

The same night will feature James Taylor Quartet, U-Nam and Lebanese musician and composer Ziad Rahbani.

For tickets release date information and line-up details, please visit dubaijazzfest.com or call Chillout Productions on 04 3911196.

Get ready for the stirring appearance of Britain’s favourite idol James Morrison at Dubai Media City Outdoor Amphitheatre on the closing night of the Skywards Dubai International Jazz Festival, which will kick off on Wednesday February 10 2010.

Best described as the British Stevie Wonder, Morrison’s music incorporates a variety of elements from the soul music maters such as Ray Charles, Bob Seger, Rod Stewart, and Joe Cocker.

Morrison had performed for thousands of fans and at some of the largest stadiums and arenas around the globe, and now adding Dubai to the list!

“We are really excited about adding such a star to our artists portfolio, James will surely attract a huge fan base, which he built in this region due to his unique style and voice” declared Anthony Younes, founder and organizer of the festival.

Although James Morrison hit the charts at the tender age of 22, his expressive voice sounds like it has been around for much, much longer.

The same night will feature the rising star Brett Dennen, the sensual Laura Izibor and Marion Meadows.

For information on tickets, please visit www.dubaijazzfest.com or call Chillout Productions on 043911196.

The 8th edition of the Skywards Dubai International Jazz Festival will run from February 10 – 19 2010.

The annual music event will feature legends, virtuosos, divas and musicians from all around the globe, with musical styles including jazz, blues, Pop, R&B, Soul and everything in between. Festival fans can look forward to all sorts of concerts and live shows throughout 10 consecutive nights all at the Dubai Media City Outdoor Amphitheatre.

The festival will host a total of 26 international acts. For more details, please visit dubaijazzfest.com or call Chillout Productions on 04 3911196.

On Dec 7 nearly 3000 students from over 40 schools across the UAE participated in the Stargate UAE National Day Walkathon. The Walkathon covered a 1.5 kilometre stretch at Zabeel Park in a show of solidarity with the nation, in addition to displaying their harmony with the diverse nationalities in the country. The event also included a human flag formation and a treasure hunt which was held at Stargate, a space theme park.

The event was held under the patronage of Ministry of Education, and Education Minister Humaid Al Qutami, hoisted the national flag amidst a sea of students.

Said Mary Joseph, publisher of QUEST, an educational magazine that organized and presented the event, said ‘We are very encouraged by the response and turnout at the Walkathon. We have been getting excellent feedback from the students, schools and the various organizations involved with the event, that we are considering increasing the scale and scope of the Walkathon in the future.’

38th National Day Walkathon, December 7th, Monday, 9.30 a.m. to 4 p.m, Zabeel Park, Gate 4, Dubai

Stargate UAE National Day Walkathon is first of its kind in UAE and intended to promote national solidarity among the younger generation of different nationalities.

Celebrating the UAE National Day this year will be a uniquely spectacular and unforgettable experience for thousands of school students in the UAE. On December 7th, students from the various schools in UAE will meet together at Zabeel Park in Dubai in a massive show of solidarity with the nation and to display their harmony with the diverse nationalities in the country.

Held under the patronage of the UAE Ministry of Education, more than 3000 students are expected to take part in the Stargate National Day Walkathon in a spectacular display of national unity by the younger generation. The event gives children a memorable opportunity to celebrate the National Day at the park in a fun-filled and meaningful manner and will help inculcate in them a sense of belonging and respect for UAE’s values and culture.

Honouring the occasion with his esteemed presence will be H.E. Humaid Mohamed Obaid Al Qutam Minister of Education, and many other dignitaries and government officials.

The National Day Walkathon will provide a whole day of fun and excitement for the students, parents, teachers and others who will participate in or witness the celebrations. Cultural and entertainment programs include: Human Flag formation, hoisting of the National Flag by His Excellency the Minister of Education, joint singing of the National Anthem, balloon release, art & science exhibition, treasure hunt, and lots more.

Students will be provided with a specially-designed T shirt for the occasion, along with a certificate of participation.

The event is organized by Quest Educational Magazine. Stargate is the main sponsor.

The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) have started to accept applications for Nol Blue Cards. Applications for the cards, for use on Dubai’s integrated transport system, can be made online (www.nol.ae) and at ticket booths at Dubai Metro stations.

Nol Blue Cards are designed for frequent travellers who need to load their cards with large balances and require security of funds in case their cards are lost, stolen, or damaged.

The personalised smart cards have an e-purse that can be loaded with up to AED 500. They are valid for use on all modes of public transport and can be recharged at RTA Customer Service Centres, approved sales agents, bus stations, and Dubai Metro stations.

Applicants require a personal photo and proof of identity (passport or ID card). For online applications copies need to be uploaded.

Nol Blue Cards should be received within 10 – 15 days.

Other categories of Nol Cards are:

• Nol Red Ticket – paper ticket with no e-purse, valid for up to 10 trips
• Nol Silver Card – don’t identify the holder, contain a rechargeable e-purse
• Nol Gold Card – same as Nol Silver Card, but allow use of Dubai Metro Gold Glass cabins

A comparison of the various types of cards and fares can be found here.

Lick’s Homeburgers has opened its first outlet in Dubai, strategically located in Dubai Healthcare City, Building 25.

Lick’s has been successful in establishing a famous reputation for great food, great service and Great Spirit. What differentiates this fast food chain from its competition is its excellence in food quality, service and atmosphere. It is the first to introduce the exclusive use of pasteurized beef, a leading-edge technology that virtually guarantees the safety and quality of its signature product, the Homeburger.

With its motto, “Great Food, Service Fast!” Lick’s Homeburgers creates a comfortable, inviting environment that incorporates a friendly family feeling with showbiz and panache.

Over the years, this privately-owned Canadian company has become a phenomenon, and symbolizes the beginning of a new wave in fast food dining.

Delwood in association with Orbit Showtime presents “Maz Jobrani; Brown and Friendly” stand up comedy show. If you are not going to see Maz perform in Amman then this is your chance to catch up him for a limited time in Dubai. Maz is back in Dubai by popular demand with a new show and joined on stage with two new rising comedy stars K-von and Eman.

Maz said ‘After one year of being away, I am excited to return to Dubai with my new show, ‘Brown and Friendly.’ I think the crowds are going to love the 2 new comics that are coming out with me – K-von and Eman. It’s going to be a great night of comedy!’

Performances are taking place at the Centrepoint Theatre at the Dubai Community Theatre & Arts Centre, Mall of the Emirates at 8pm and 10.30pm on Thursday 10th December. Tickets on the balcony are AED 195 and stalls are AED 275. Tickets are now available online from www.timeouttickets.com and from the Dubai Community Theatre & Arts Centre. Tickets are restricted to those 13 years and above.

The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced that construction work on the 19 stations yet to open on the Red Line of the Dubai Metro is finished.

Completion of electromechanical works in the stations ranges from 80 to 97 percent, and the stations should open in February 2010.

The Dubai Metro began operations on September 9 2009 with 10 stations on the Red Line.

The Green Line is scheduled to commence operations in late 2010.

The final 12 screens at the Reel Cinemas, Dubai Mall opened today.

The opening was marked with the first digital screening in the UAE of the film 2012. It was shown in Screen 22, the region’s first and only THX-certified cinema hall.

Reel Cinemas also includes The Picturehouse, the first cinema in the UAE dedicated to art house and independent films.

The first 10 screens at 22-screen multiplex opened in August 2009.