Sponsorship Renewed at the First Group Theatre

After two years of proud support of one of Dubai’s most famous theatres, we are excited to reveal that we have renewed our sponsorship of The First Group Theatre in December 2011. The popular venue at the Madinat Jumeirah is a rich source of cultural entertainment for residents and tourists alike. It has been a hive of activity, particularly over the last month, when it showcased many Arabic and World Cinema movies as part of the Dubai International Film Festival. This year’s DIFF was of course extra special, with VIP Hollywood guests such as Tom Cruise and Owen Wilson in attendance!

Dubai’s December to Remember!

The month of December has certainly been packed with some of 2011’s biggest highlights from vibrant birthday celebrations to A-list visitors; we bring you the lowdown on a busy end to a fantastic year!

The 2nd of December saw Dubai and the rest of the UAE decked out in red, white, green and black in honour of the country’s 40 year anniversary. The atmosphere was truly electric, with special events and parties taking place across the seven emirates. A glance back over the achievements of the last four decades shows just how far the UAE has come in such a short space of time. Dubai has been a pivotal part of the country’s success, with the launch of the world’s largest mall, the Dubai Mall; the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa and the world’s longest driverless metro network, the Dubai Metro, marking just a mere few of the city’s amazing accomplishments.

"Forty years of achievements have been made by our people and our country, which has clearly, as recognised by all, become a state of excellence, leading in various fields,” commented His Highness Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. “This, of course, would not have come to pass without the sound vision and long-term determination and indomitable will, because the word impossible is no longer listed on the agenda of the UAE.”

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum was present to open one of the most dazzling events on Dubai’s calendar this year; the Dubai International Film Festival. This year’s edition was one of the most exciting to date, thanks to Mission Impossible 4 mania! Dubai beat stiff competition from a number of other cities to host the world premier of Ghost Protocol, and in turn welcome some of Hollywood’s biggest stars, including MI actors, Tom Cruise, Paula Patton and Simon Pegg. This year’s DIFF premiered 171 films from 56 countries, more than double the films screened in the first festival in 2004.

Dubai’s hotels have also had a hugely rewarding year, with industry experts revealing the city is back operating at peak levels. Average occupancy shot up to 87.3% in October, echoing the levels witnessed in 2007, before the onset of the global financial crisis. Dubai also emerged the top player in the UAE in terms of RevPar growth, registering the largest rise of 13.1% to $196.85. The outlook for 2012 and investors in the city’s buzzing hotel industry looks very bright, with many hotels already booked out, thanks to the international draw of major events such as the Dubai Shopping Festival, which kicks off on the 5th January.

Finally, as well as an influx of tourists, Dubai has been opening its doors to a huge number of new residents! On the 20th December, Dubai’s Statistic Centre population clock read 1,999,562 – just 438 people short of the 2 million mark! Figures show the city’s population has risen by an average of 8000 people every month this year, while the active population swells to 3 million during the day, with the arrival of business and leisure travelers. The city’s tax-free status, abundance of luxury accommodation and leisure facilities clearly make it one of the most exciting places to live and work!