The third model in the BMW 6 Series line up, the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupé follows the successful debut of the next generation Convertible and Coupé models launched last year. The aim in the design process of the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupé was to achieve a synergy between the aesthetics and dynamics typical of a BMW Coupé and functional versatility of a four-door sedan. The result is a unique car with a distinctive character but unmistakably a BMW.

Alexander Eftimov, Director of Sales and Marketing for BMW Group Middle East and Kevin Hughes, General Manager of AGMC

BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe - interior front

The exterior sets new standards in terms of aesthetic design for four-door vehicles as seen in its low height and the flat roofline that smoothly flows into the rear end. The low and graceful lines are especially impressive when looking at the car’s side profile. The recessed passenger compartment appears low and smoothly stretched because the window silhouette extends deep into the C pillar.

The frameless door windows are also a design element indicative of a sporty Coupé. In addition, the elongated side windows optimise the incidence of light to enhance the feeling of spaciousness in the interior. The characteristic BMW Hofmeister kink that flows into the C pillar encompasses exclusively embossed “Gran Coupe” lettering behind the glass in the lower corners of the rear windows to denote the fascinating elegance and personality of this new vehicle.

The interior of the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupé has a driver orientation typical of the BMW brand. The driver-focused cockpit and front passenger area are bordered by elegantly sweeping surfaces with a harmonious connection between the front seats and the rear. Passengers sitting in the rear will be surprised by the generous levels of space and high level of comfort in a very stylish and luxurious surrounding. The four-door Coupé is a four-seater that offers generous travel comfort in the back with an additional third rear seat, which can be used for shorter journeys.

Powered by a choice of two engines with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology, the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupé offers a sporty and powerful drive experience. The six-in-line engine in the BMW 640i Gran Coupé comprises a turbocharging system, High Pressure Injection and VALVETRONIC, twin-scroll turbocharging. The exhaust gas pulses from each bank of three cylinders are fed through two separate channels to the turbine wheel. This produces maximum power of 320 hp, at 5,800 to 6,000 rpm, from a displacement of 3.0 litres allowing the BMW 640i Gran Coupé to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds.

The top-of-the-line BMW 650i Gran Coupé with the latest generation of the 4.4-litre V8 engine with its two turbochargers and High Precision Direct Injection optimises both efficiency and response, when it arrives in market in September this year. Power in both engines of the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupé is managed by an eight-speed sports automatic transmission. With its extremely fast gear changes, this unit is built for sporty driving, comfortable shifting and optimised efficiency. It is operated using the electronic gear selector on the centre console.

The Driving Experience Control switch on the centre console allows the driver to alter accelerator response characteristics, engine response, the power steering characteristics, the DSC settings, the damper characteristics and the shift characteristics of the automatic transmission.

An unrivalled range of BMW ConnectedDrive driver assistance technology features for enhanced comfort and safety include BMW Park Assistant, camera-based Collision Warning with braking function (in conjunction with Active Cruise Control) and the latest-generation full colour BMW Head-Up Display that projects the symbols on the windscreen in 3D.

As with all BMW models, the 6 Series Gran Coupé features an exclusive options list that includes active steering, comfort seats and sports seats, active seats, seat ventilation, Exclusive Nappa leather, ceramic applications, heated rear seats and 4-zone automatic climate control. There is also a Bang & Olufsen High-End Surround Sound System that offers brilliant sound experience from every seat. Bang & Olufsen designs and manufacturers high-end audio products and televisions and so was the perfect audio partner for the new 6 Series Gran Coupé.

The first AUS Middle Eastern Playwriting Competition, an international short play competition was conducted by the theatre program at AUS in the summer of 2011. The competition, open to playwrights from all over the world, had professional and student playwrights from four continents submitting manuscripts. All the entries had to be based on themes related to Middle-Eastern culture.

The winning one-act plays were ‘Veils’ and ‘Khalass,’ which deal with very real and important contemporary social issues and made for compelling educational rehearsal and presentation material. Both plays were written by Tom Coash, an American playwright and director, who attended the first performance of 8 at 7 to accept his award as the first winner of the playwriting competition.

Coash has worked for theatres such as the Manhattan Theatre Club and his plays have been produced around the world, and have won numerous playwriting awards. He is currently working on a full-length version of ‘Veils’ under a grant from the InterAct Theatre of Philadelphia.

The other six plays featured in 8 at 7 were written by students in Theatre Appreciation between 2008 and 2011 and the production included the work of more than 60 students in acting, design, stage management and technical theatre. Student Maha Dahlan said: “This has been the most ‘real’ production I’ve worked on. This isn’t little red riding hood, or a 49-year-old lady in the UK with nine kids. I play an adventurous girl in a place facing an issue quite familiar to me; it was definitely challenging to maintain this sense of ‘reality’ that this show possesses.”

For Nissreen Al Mansouri, “Working on these plays made me discover inner talents I had not had the chance to discover.”

The plays resonated with the students as they were cohesive in that they presented themes and ideas that are quite common in daily life, small slices of life and bits and pieces of events that occur daily in the UAE and beyond.

Anthony Tassa, Associate Professor and Coordinator of the Performing Arts Program, and director of 8 at 7 said: “The success of the AUS Middle Eastern Playwriting Competition demonstrates the Performing Arts Program’s interest in advancing new ideas and exploring regional culture.”

Opus5 CAAD Works is the fifth expression of the creative and professional work of faculty members within CAAD in a very public venue and the work exhibited references numerous traditions, trajectories, cultures and places and is a momentary sampling of research, interest, explorations and fascinations on the minds of the current faculty.

Sheikh Sultan toured the various artworks exhibited by the AUS CAAD faculty members and expressed appreciation to the professional level the faculty have demonstrated.

AUS Chancellor Dr. Peter Heath said he feels proud of the international level demonstrated by the 25 CAAD faculty members, adding: “This and similar exhibitions and conferences AUS holds in the various parts of the country and abroad is a demonstration of the success of its strategic mission set by His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah.”

Peter Di Sabatino, Dean, College of Architecture, Art and Design said: “The faculty of CAAD recognizes and supports the importance of research, scholarly work and creative activity in art, architecture and design. It is my pleasure and privilege to be amongst such dedicated, talented and passionate educators and creatives. In addition to the requirements of teaching, which necessitates a primary commitment of time and energy, the faculty at CAAD present a cross-section of creative and scholastic work in this exhibition.”

Dean Di Sabatino added: “We are extremely appreciative of the Sharjah Art Museum for hosting this exhibition and for our long term, mutually beneficial collaboration and commitment to the professional and academic disciplines in the arts, architecture, planning and design fields.”

The exhibition continues till 8 August 2012 and aims to raise awareness about the importance of art in Sharjah.

His Highness said: “I am very happy that this conference is taking place in the emirate of Sharjah; an emirate that is distinguished by its constant efforts in the betterment of institutions pertaining to the family.”

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His Highness said that over the last 25 years, Sharjah has constantly worked at enhancing and developing institutions dedicated to future generations. He also thanked Haifa Fahoum Al Kaylani, Chairman of the AIWF, and the conference organizers, for their efforts and wished them success. Themed ‘Emerging Economies, Emerging Leaderships: Arab Women and Youth as Drivers of Change,’ the two-day conference brings together Arab and international global leaders to AUS, renowned as one of the leading centres of academic excellence in the Arab world.

During the conference, eminent guest speakers and high profile participants will examine the role of women and youth as drivers of change in emerging economies. In addition to exploring strategies to implement policy recommendations already identified at AIWF’s 10th anniversary conference held in London in May last year, the conference will identify enablers for job creation in the region and other emerging economies around the world, taking the unique opportunities presented within the region to help shape future Arab policy, reinforcing the message that gender equality is absolutely vital to sustainable development in the future Arab world.

AUS Chancellor Dr. Peter Heath said in his opening remarks: “I wish to thank the AIWF for the opportunity to work together to find ways to include women and young workers more fully into the private sector as the way forward. AIWF’s networking of women entrepreneurs for our national development is more than timely. Many deem it a necessary step.” He said that promoting women’s entrepreneurship seeds broader and deeper economic progress. “There isn’t any way we can increase prosperity and stability throughout the region unless women are full partners in the community, the country, the region and in the world economy,” he added.

The opening session was also addressed by Haifa Fahoum Al Kaylani, Chairman, AIWF, and Noura Al Noman, Director General of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Al Qassimi’s Executive Office. “If we are to achieve gender equality in the region, the Arab community must embrace a sustainable development policy and strategy with a rights-based focus on the Arab world’s most precious resource – its people, and especially its women and youth,” said Al Kaylani.

In her presentation, Al Noman spoke of the different initiatives and organizations led by Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, the wife of the Ruler of Sharjah. “The common denominator between all of these organizations which employ more than 2,000 staff to serve the emirate of Sharjah and beyond isn’t only the great role they play in developing society; but also the fact that they are all led by women leaders from Sharjah,” said Al Noman. “His Highness’ conviction that the education of women should be reinforced by entrusting them with the running and operation of leading organizations is most visible in Sharjah and in Her Highness’ organizations,” she said.

In her opening remarks, Dr. Nada Mourtada-Sabbah, Vice Chancellor for Development and Alumni Affairs, said: “It is my firm belief that our deliberations during the forum’s next two days will conclusively demonstrate just how solid the pioneering foundations of Sheikh Dr. Sultan, empowering women and the youthful professionals have proven in building a new Arab Renaissance and this is only normal for such an enlightened Ruler and a well-read scholar and author in his own right.”

The conference also included a number of prominent speakers from a diverse field that comprised both the public and the private sectors. Since its inception, AUS has played a formidable role in providing a forum to highlight and discuss important issues pertaining to gender studies. This significant event crowns the university as a regional hub for women’s studies. The university regularly hosts national and international symposia that focus on issues related to academic studies on women’s empowerment and growth. It also played a pioneering role in the creation of the UAE Gender and Women’s Studies Consortium, the last meeting of which drew renowned scholars from 70 universities across the world to AUS.

The Augmented Reality concept has been introduced at Samsonite’s exquisite showroom at Dubai Mall. Augmented Reality is a concept involving computer-generated imagery in live video streams where a person interacts with the objects on screen, giving the perception of being part of that reality.

The introduction of Augmented Reality concept further reinforces Samsonite Middle East’s commitment to innovation, not only in their world-class products and services, but also in the way they communicate and display the products at their stores in the region.

The new concept involves an Interactive TV on the store window, where customers watching the video imagery will feel transposed and step in to appear in the video, interacting and becoming a part of the reality. Samsonite ME also announced that the concept will soon also be introduced at other selected stores across the UAE and the Middle East.

In his comments on the new interactive concept, Subrata Dutta, Managing Director – South Asia and Middle East for Samsonite, said: “By bringing in the concept of Augmented Reality into the region – the first time such an interactive display has been introduced in our category across the region, our aim is to give an exciting and innovative new avenue for our customers to feel the Samsonite experience with us. We are proud to pioneer this type of virtual reality and window display in the region, on this scale.”

Samsonite has always been at the forefront for business and casual luggage, as well as travel accessories since 1910. Utilizing top designer expertise from around the globe, Samsonite has created unparalleled products that fulfill the travel and lifestyle needs of the sophisticated traveler.

Having sold 12.5 million cars since its launch in 1975, the BMW 3 Series continues to be BMW Group’s worldwide best-selling model series consistently accounting for more than a quarter of the company’s global sales. With the addition of the BMW 320i, BMW Group is expanding its 3 Series product offering and making the world’s best-selling premium car even more accessible to a wider customer audience across the region.

Commenting on the BMW 320i’s arrival, Dr. Joerg Breuer, Managing Director, BMW Group Middle East said: “The BMW 3 Series has been riding the wave of success ever since its launch 37 years ago – in fact, every third BMW sold in 2011 was a 3 Series.  It is therefore a very important model for BMW Group, and by adding an additional engine variant, we expect to achieve even greater success.”

Performance and technology have always been key areas of expertise for the BMW brand, and agility and driving dynamics remain outstanding attributes of the new BMW 3 Series. Customers can now choose from two powerful TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder engines: 320i, 328i and the six-cylinder 335i; that all come with an eight-speed automatic gearbox and TwinPower Turbo engines technology, offering more EfficientDynamics technology to make the new 3 Series more fuel efficient.

The new car is first BMW model to be available with three different lines: Modern, Sport and Luxury – three distinctive design personalities for the exterior and interior. Within each line, customers can choose a number of exclusive finishes and equipment variants to suit their taste.

New powerful design elements include a new BMW face, with flat headlights reaching along as far as the BMW kidney grille. This emphasises the elegantly dynamic design of the new BMW 3 Series, which has increased in length (+93mm), width (front +37mm, rear +47mm) and wheelbase (+50mm) compared to the predecessor model, giving the car an elegant and athletic silhouette.

Inside the new BMW 3 Series, the noticeable increase in space means significant benefit for the rear passengers. The classic BMW interior surfaces and lines flow over the instrument panel towards the front passenger side of the cabin, where they form a smooth and protective border. The cockpit wraps around the driver and ensures that all important functions are within easy reach.

Under the umbrella of BMW ConnectedDrive the all-new 3 series offers numerous BMW ConnectedDrive technology features that give the driver and passengers information and services to help make their driving experience safer and more comfortable. Such as Rear-view camera and Park Assistant – a system that takes on the search for a parking space as well as the parking.

Another strong feature to highlight is that owners of select BlackBerry smart phones can also access the phone’s windows office function via the operating system iDrive. This new Bluetooth interface that integrates the BlackBerry device into the vehicle allows e-mails and calendar entries to be received and displayed on the Control Display and even read out through an optional voice output function. Bluetooth Audio Streaming also allows the driver to listen to music from an audio player or mobile phone without the need for a cable.

The new BMW 320i includes iDrive along with an 8.8” or 6.5” screen. There is also an automatic sliding and tilting glass sunroof in addition to BMW EfficientDynamics technology that includes the new Driving Experience Control switch with four driving programmes allowing the driver to choose between sporty, ultra sporty, comfortable and extremely economical driving ECO PRO mode. New to the 3 Series, the feature helps drivers maximize fuel economy by analyzing their driving style, thereby enabling them to increase the distance they can travel on each tank of fuel.

The new BMW 320i is now available at BMW Group importers’ showrooms in UAE starting from AED155,000.

The Sound Blaster Recon3D Omega Wireless packs amazing audio processing power previously accessible only in internal PC audio card solutions, into a stylish and powerful wireless gaming audio system for the Xbox 360, Playstation 3, PC or Mac.

The Sound Core3D Audio and Voice chipset permits for the first time ever the advantages of an internal sound card in an external USB device. The THX TruStudio Pro sound technologies, on the other hand, create unparalleled levels of audio practicality and includes stunning surround effects that go far beyond standard 5.1 or 7.1 audio, producing hundreds of virtual speakers around you. The Sound Blaster Recon3D Omega Wireless lets you hook up easily your Xbox 360, PS3 game audio by programming your Recon3D on PC or Mac.

Another aspect of the device we found impressive was the Hardware Dolby Digital Decoder that transforms any Dolby Digital 5.1 source into high fidelity immersive surround sound for Xbox 360, Playstation 3, PC, or Mac. The audio enhancing features also perfectly complement the overall functionality of the device as it comes with stylish, rugged and extremely portable easy-to-access controls for THX TruStudio Pro On/Off, Scout Mode On/Off, Master volume control, Microphone boost (3 settings), Instant Mute, and platform selection.

The “crystalvoice” voice enhancement and clarity technology has also added to the overall appeal of the Sound Blaster Recon3D Omega Wireless. It offers four separate hardware-accelerated technologies that ensure the best possible voice communication.

‪All in all, if you are a hardcore gamer, the Sound Blaster Recon3D Omega Wireless will guarantee you a whole new gaming experience. ‬

Dr. Tag said that “with more than 150 graduate students in chemical, electrical, mechanical and petroleum engineering, petroleum geosciences and HSE, PI leads the way to new applied science and engineering achievements for the benefits of our industrial sponsors and the UAE economy.”

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In addition, Dr. Ioannis Economou, Associate Provost for Graduate Studies, welcomed the guests, and stating: “It is an excellent opportunity for our graduate students to present their work to the PI community and to our industrial sponsors in order to strengthen existing and develop new collaborations.” He  added: “This event is also an excellent opportunity for our undergraduate students to become familiar with graduate research and to commit themselves toward a Master degree at PI.”

Overall, the conference was a big success. A total of 32 graduate students from Chemical, Electrical, Mechanical, Petroleum Engineering and Petroleum Geosciences presented their research work through oral and poster presentations. More than 100 faculty, researchers and graduate students from PI and technical representatives from ADNOC operating companies attended the event and had the chance to discuss the recent research achievements of PI students.

Barrett added: “Quality vocational education can provide an essential springboard for ambitious young people by offering practical skills and experience that employers value. Equipped with these skills, the youth can look forward to a promising career. However, it is imperative that vocational education remains flexible to help adults acquire new skills amidst the changing technology and economic landscape. Additionally, well-informed, impartial career advice and guidance is central to ensuring individuals make informed choices.”

Barrett’s comments came during a panel discussion titled ‘Is there a Future for Vocational Education in the Region?’ The event was organized by Dubai Knowledge Village (DKV), a member of TECOM Investments’ Education Cluster and the region’s premier destination for human resources management as part of the DKV Breakfast Club, a biannual networking event for decision makers.

Moderated by Eithne Treanor, CNBC, Special Correspondent, the discussion also included speakers Dr Naji Al Mahdi, Executive Director, National Institute for Vocational Education; Dr Howard Reed, Director, Dubai Women’s College and Senior Director, Higher Colleges of Technology, and Dr Abdullatif Al Shamsi, Director-General, Institute of Applied Technology.

Defining the meaning of vocational education in the UAE, Dr. Howard Reed said: “Vocational education includes professional programmes such as business and law, technical courses such as IT, and services, especially health services. Once we deviate too far from these areas, the demand for ‘vocational education’ among Emiratis will probably remain small. Here, stakeholders in key industry segments are faced with the question about why Emiratis do not join the private sector when it is said to provide the majority of new jobs. Furthermore, policy makers need to identify what would motivate Emiratis to take up occupation in the private sector in the professional, technical and service industries.”

Dr. Naji Al Mahdi said: “There has to be a future for vocational education in the region. Achievement in vocational training programmes leads to rewarding jobs and successful careers. The skills required for employability may vary from country to country. For instance, the UAE, Kuwait, and Qatar demand white-collar skills while blue-collar skills are needed in Bahrain, Oman and Saudi Arabia. However, whatever the skill level, vocational education will play an increasingly pivotal role in helping young nationals meet the challenges of the workplace.”

The DKV Breakfast Club events focus on current business-related issues in the context of global best practices to help companies run more efficient operations. The participation of an increasing number of decision makers, government officials and HR professionals serves as a testimony to the success of the DKV Breakfast Club initiative.

Established in 2003, Dubai Knowledge Village is home to over 450 professional centres specialized in HR development, professional testing, as well as management training and consultancy services.

Mr. Wassim Hamadah, Marketing Manager at Middlesex University Dubai said: “The iPad is not only a tablet as a source of entertainment, but has features appealing to businessmen and students – Middlesex University invested significantly in developing an application compatible on all Apple devices that gives students access to online learning materials, thousands of e-books and academic journals.”

The application is available free of charge on the Apple store, although students are required to sign-in to their university account to access of learning resources.

Dr. Cody Paris, Social Sciences lecturer at Middlesex University Dubai commented:  “I think that this new promotion is very useful! Several of my students have iPads, and those have proven to be an excellent resource in the classroom.”

Additionally, students that enrolled early received other great additions, including a set of professional development courses that would be conducted during the summer to give them a headstart on their studies.

The Middlesex University campus in Dubai, which opened in January 2005, now boasts well over 2,200 students from over 90 countries studying across 33 degree programmes ranging from the social sciences, psychology, journalism, arts and business, to information technology.

Middlesex University Dubai is an integral part of Middlesex University London, and is subject to the same rigorous quality assurance procedures that have earned Middlesex the highest possible endorsement from the UK’s Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education. During the month of May, a series of open evenings will be conducted by Middlesex University Dubai in a variety of locations for free counselling to students and their families. Admissions for enrollments for September 2012 is now open.