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The Dubai Mall has added 100 new stores in less than a month since its opening on November 4th, offering an exciting retail choice for visitors. Retailers are opening their stores daily and the majority of The Dubai Mall's 1,200 stores will be operational by early 2009 including Galeries Lafayette, one of the mall's two key department stores. Bloomingdale's, the other key department store will open in 2010.

Mr Yousif Al Ali, General Manager of The Dubai Mall, said: 'The opening of The Dubai Mall has energized the retail sector in the region with strong sales recorded throughout the mall. In less than a month, about 100 retailers have opened their stores, several of them flagship stores for the region. The continual opening of new stores on a daily basis gives mall visitors a wider choice to complement the upcoming festive season sales.'

Other attractions that will be completed in the new year include Fashion Avenue, a precinct dedicated to 70 haute couture signature stores; The Grove an indoor-outdoor streetscape with a fully retractable roof; KidZania, an innovative children's 'edu-tainment' concept; SEGA Republic, an adrenaline indoor theme park; and a 22-screen cineplex.

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AC Milan's superstars are preparing for their trip to the Middle East for the Emirates-sponsored Winter Tour and to participate in the Government of Dubai's Tourism Department sponsored event, the Dubai Football Challenge. AC Milan's Emirates sponsored Winter Training Camp will run from 29th December to 7th January 2009.

The club's stars, who are returning to Dubai for the second consecutive year, are excited at the prospect of returning to Dubai.  'We had such a great time in Dubai last year during our winter training and are really looking forward to coming back to the city again in December to take on Hamburg in the Dubai Football Challenge,' said AC Milan midfielder Kaka.

Ronaldinho is also looking forward to the contest, 'Having just joined Milan in the summer, this will be my first Dubai Football Challenge. Coming to Dubai for the Winter Tour is something I've been looking forward to a lot. Dubai is such a unique city with so much on offer and I cannot wait to play in front of what I have heard is a very passionate crowd,' he said.

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In a bid to preserve Emirati identity amid the globalisation and immigration that are rapidly changing the UAE’s character, the Government declared 2008 the Year of National Identity, and Emiratis responded in spectacular style on UAE National Day.

Celebrations in Ras Al Khaimah were at least twice as big as last year, onlookers said. In Ras Al Khaimah, thousands of vehicles paraded the UAE national colours for nearly seven hours in a spontaneous display of national pride on Al Qawassim Corniche. The Corniche was littered with confetti and flooded with Emirati music blasting from cars draped with the national flag or painted in the UAE colours with portraits of the rulers.

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Abdul Aziz al Ghurair, Speaker of the Federal National Council (FNC) in the UAE described the new constitutional amendments that have vested further powers in the federal body as a “historic step”.

Introduced on Tuesday by the Supreme Council, made up of the ruler of each emirate, the amendments give the FNC the right to discuss international agreements and treaties before the Government signs them. Before the amendments were made the Government would only notify the FNC about agreements and treaties that it had already signed.

Under the changes, members will be able make suggestions to the President before certain agreements are signed. However for Abdullah al Shehi, a  Ras Al Khaimah FNC member, the key was to give more powers to the FNC. “The council is still an advisory body despite the amendments,” Mr al Shehi said.

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Czech companies are increasingly turning to Turkey for economic relations. Vaclav Hejtmanek, export consultant with the Czech Trade Promotion Agency, said his company is ready to provide information and assistance to Turkish firms to help find Czech suppliers and partners. CzechTrade maintains an office in Istanbul, hoping to boost cooperation between Turkish and Czech companies.

Commercial relations between the Czech Republic and Turkey seem to have taken off in recent months. Last year Zentiva, the Czech Republic's biggest manufacturer of generic drugs, acquired Turkey's third-largest drug company, the largest ever investment by a Czech company in a foreign firm. Another Czech company, Cez, the largest power company in the Czech Republic, followed suit in June 2008 by acquiring the Sakarya Electricity Distribution Company in a joint venture with Turkey's Akkök Group.

As of last year, the trade volume between Turkey and the Czech Republic was $1.5 billion and this is expected to reach $2.16 billion by the end of 2008. According to Czech officials, Turkey is among the priority countries with significant growth potential for business cooperation in the Czech export strategy for 2006-2010.

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A survey titled 'Tourist Profile’ held by Efes Pilsen reveals some interesting facts about why tourists visit Turkey. Research was conducted into the habits of tourists in Turkey. The survey included 2,500 people and covered many topics, such as what they liked or did not like about the country, what they ate and drank, and what kind of music they listened to while in Turkey.

Only 17.8 percent of participants said they drank Turkey’s national drink rakı, however 84.9 percent of participants said they liked Turkish food. Turkey's natural beauty ranked highly amongst reasons for visiting Turkey, along with the sea and sunny weather during summer months. 24.9 percent of those surveyed also said that the low prices were one of the reasons they chose Turkey.

When it came to what tourists did with their time in Turkey, a large majority surveyed said they spent their time by the sea, taking sailing trips or going to the beach. Next in line was visiting historic and cultural locations, then nightlife and then shopping.

Overall, an impressive number of tourists would consider visiting Turkey again, 40.2 percent would visit the same location within Turkey, while 47.4 would go to a different resort.

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DP World’s Jebel Ali Port in Dubai  has won the Lloyd's List Middle East Award 2008 for the Best Container Terminal of the Year, in recognition of its 'vision and commitment to port operations on the domestic and international stages.' This is the third time in four years DP World’s Jebel Ali Port has taken the Lloyd's List Award that recognizes excellence in the industry across the key maritime regions of the world.

The prestigious award honours the Dubai ports performance in providing safe, reliable, cost-effective and environmentally-friendly service to customers both at the terminal and offshore.

Mohammed Al Muallem, Senior Vice President and Managing Director at DP World, said, 'This honour underscores DP World's commitment to service excellence. Lloyd's List Awards carry considerable weight, as they consistently recognize best practice across the industry. We are very pleased that the standards we have set in end-to-end port operations continue to be recognized for their quality and impact on terminal operations, both regionally and globally.'

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A new state-of-the-art children's hospital is to be established in Dubai. The ruler of Dubai, Shaikh Mohammad has ordered the establishment of the hospital as a gift to the emirate on the occasion of his daughter Al Jalila's first birthday on December 2nd, which coincides with the UAE's celebrations of the 37th National Day.

The Al Jalila Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Hospital for Children will provide comprehensive secondary and tertiary care to children in Dubai, including the delivery of acute care services requiring specialised skills, technology and support services.

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The date for the third edition of the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon has been announced as February 20th 2009. The race seen by some as the 'World's Top Winter Half Marathon' witnessed a world record time in the first year and closely fought battles in year two that resulted in a photo finish in both the men's and women's races.

Nathan Clayton, Race Director said, "Under the guidance and vision of His Highness Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah and the Executive Organizing Committee of the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon we are pleased to announce that the International Association of Athletics Federations has conferred their Silver Label status on the event in only its third year, making this a great achievement for sports in the UAE.”

The Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon is the first road race in the Middle East to achieve this status and organizers are promising fast times, world class athletes, increased prize money for all categories and more announcements to come in this, the latest edition of the world's richest half marathon.

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The Environment Protection Department in Ras Al Khaimah has launched a new system for checking the mechanical conditions of vehicles regularly, especially heavy trucks, and their gas emissions to reduce pollution in the emirate.

Dr Seif Mohammed Al Ghais, Executive Director of the department, said that the system would be introduced in January next year. The new system will require periodical examinations of all heavy trucks and old vehicles in Ras Al Khaimah.

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One of the world's biggest tour operators, Thomas Cook and its Turkish partner Diana Tourism will host the representatives of 2,500 British travel agencies at a tourism event in Turkey beginning on December 4th.

The Antalya tourism event is being supported by the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the Antalya Governor's Office.

The aim of the event is to promote both Turkey and the Turkish tourism hub of Antalya. The British travel agents will attend conferences and travel to sites such as Aspendos, Perge and Side to observe tourist facilities.

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The DSF Office lent its support to celebrations that were organized by the American University in Dubai to mark the UAE's 37th National Day. The event was held under the patronage of Sheikh Saeed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Cultural events such as folk dance shows and several heritage tents were set up around the University campus that highlighted the heritage and customs of the UAE.

Mohammed Ali Al Kamali, Sponsorship Manager at the DSF Office speaking at the event hailed the historical decision of the rulers to launch the Union, which in turn, led to the monumental achievements that are being witnessed in the UAE today.

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The Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) plans once again to present its outdoor screening series ‘Screen on the Green’ at the Dubai Media City Amphitheatre, offering free cinema screenings to Dubai residents. The first Screen on the Green film, Harara will screen on December 16th and on December 17th the Screen on the Green feature will be Mamoru Oshii's The Sky Crawlers.

Masoud Amralla Al Ali, the Dubai International Film Festival's Artistic Director, said: “Screen on the Green has always been a popular programme at DIFF, and is a wonderful way to enjoy cinema-outdoors with friends. There is always a great atmosphere at the screenings, and we have established them as a DIFF tradition.”

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The UAE celebrates the 37th anniversary of its founding today. Since 1971 and the coming together of six emirates (followed in 1972 by Ras Al Khaimah) it has been an exceptional journey. The UAE has grown to become one of the most admired countries in the Arab world and one of the most dynamic and progressive nations. National Day is a day to celebrate this success and is also an opportunity to remember and celebrate the values that bring a community together.

Across the UAE several events are taking place to commemorate this special day and in Ras Al Khaimah the Police have announced a march to mark the UAE's 37th National Day. General Shaikh Taleb Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Chief of Ras Al Khaimah Police, has announced that those interested in participating should gather in front of the Shaikh Zayed Mosque at 8pm for the celebratory march.

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Christa Thoben, Minister of Economic Affairs and Energy of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia has visited the Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone and was received by His Highness Sheikh Faisal bin Saqr Al Qassimi, Chairman of Ras Al Khaimah FTZ.

The visit served to further strengthen business and economic ties between Ras Al Khaimah and Germany. During the meeting, expanding trade and investment and new avenues of cooperation including energy and education were discussed.

'The relationship between Germany and Ras Al Khaimah has grown through increased trade, tourism and investment flows between the two regions. What we are looking into now is how we can further strengthen these economic ties that have proven to be highly beneficial for both parties,’ said Sheikh Faisal.

Sheikh Faisal went on to emphasize the important role of Ras Al Khaimah FTZ's office in Germany, which gives the zone a direct link to the country. He said, 'This office has played a fundamental role in attracting German and European businesses to base their regional operations at RAK FTZ and introduce business opportunities available there to new investors.'

Minister Thoben expressed her hopes for the continuation of excellent business relations and for new avenues of cooperation in the future.

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In partnership with the Turkish American Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce, has identified Turkey as its "VIP Partner Country" for 2009 under its Country Partner Program.

The yearlong programme is designed to establish sustainable industry networks between American and Turkish businesses to promote and develop bilateral trade between Turkish business, and Manhattan Chamber of Commerce members and partners.

Alev Günay, U.S. representative of the Investment Support and Promotion Agency of Turkey, which helps foreign investors set up operations in Turkey, said the partnership was a great opportunity for both Turkish and American investors.

Manhattan Chamber of Commerce Global Business Director Ally A. C. Gündüz said, "Turkey is among the top ten emerging markets and needs more exposure in the U.S market."

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Turkey's Ambassador Naci Koru said that the 7th joint meeting of the Turkish-Saudi Business Council, which concluded in Ankara last week, was ‘successful’ and will help Turkey to expand its trade with the Kingdom.

The opening of the proposed joint venture Mecca-Istanbul railway in the near future would further improve trade relations between the two countries. "Trade can be further expanded by mutual investments, and Turkey welcomes Saudi companies to invest in Turkey," Koru said, adding that banking, real estate, telecom and tourism are among the sectors in which Saudi investors can show increased interest.

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At the Emirates Airlines impressive new sports complex in Dubai, ‘The Sevens’, sixteen of the world’s best sevens rugby teams are battling for the coveted Emirates Airlines backed Dubai Sevens title.

The main event started on Friday with the final scheduled to take place today. Competing for the main title will be defending champions New Zealand, runners-up Fiji, former champions England, the South Africans, teams from the Pacific isles and the European nations, not to forget the fast improving African countries and the Americans from both the south and north.

The AGRFU (the Gulf ruling body for rugby), the members of the former Exiles Club in Dubai and Emirates Airlines have organised the championship. Live entertainment, music concerts and several other events have been lined up for all age groups ensuring entertainment at The Sevens for all the family.

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Dubai has emerged as the top luxury shopping break destination, according to recent research from Mintel. The research revealed there was a move away from traditional short-haul city breaks, towards mid-haul destinations such as Dubai. Dubai is a major draw for the short break visitor offering leading designer brands available tax-free, with more than 50 shopping malls as well as the traditional Arabian souks.

According to Mintel, there were over 7.5 million short break holidays taken abroad in 2007 and the UAE short breaks market grew by an outstanding 46 per cent in 2007.

The short breaks industry is now worth over £2 billion, having tripled over the last decade and one in ten UK adults has been on a short break in the past 12 months. Dubai has capitalised on this growing market, offering travellers a range of new developments.

Ian Scott, director of the UK and Ireland representative office of Dubai Tourism and Commerce marketing, said, “Dubai is becoming the city break destination of choice. Offering a fusion of the old and the new, Dubai caters to all tastes boasting excellent luxury hotels, fantastic world class facilities, the ultimate shopping experience, fine dining at internationally-renowned restaurants and sensual spa treatments.”

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Cricket coaching academies in the UAE are reaching out to different parts of the emirates to spot talent and train budding young cricketers.

A coaching centre in Ras Al Khaimah has been set up by the Max Way Institute of cricket training for several sessions of training in December. The coaching in Ras Al Khaimah will be held at the Kerala Samaj compound in the Al Nakheel Area under Rajan Shrivastav, a qualified level two coach from the Mumbai Cricket Association and Kashif Ahmad, a coach from the Rashid Latif Academy in Pakistan.

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