Tag Archives: georgia
Mohammed opens MBC studios
Mohammed opens MBC studios 16 July 2013 His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, on Monday, inaugurated Dubai-based MBC Group’s “O3” Drama Production Studios, a state-of-the-art facility running on an area of 15,000 square feet, being one of three sound stages to be launched at the end of 2013. Accompanying Shaikh Mohammed during the inauguration ceremony, was Shaikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Media Incorporated (DMI). In presence of MBC Group Chairman Waleed bin Ibrahim Al Ibrahim and a number of senior officials and media leaders, Shaikh Mohammed reviewed the latest equipment that match the efficiency and capacity of the largest international production studios equipped with the latest audio/visual technologies that are in par with the best international standards; affirming Dubai’s leading position as a high-tech centre for delivering premium content of international standards and consolidating its statue as a favourable destination for major media institutions as well as a popular destination for Arab and International investment in various sectors. The ceremony was also attended by Mohammed Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs; Ahmad bin Byat, Chief Executive Officer, Dubai Holding; Khalifa Saeed Sulaiman, Director-General Of Protocol Department; Mona Al Marri, Director-General of the Government of Dubai Media Office; Sami Al Qamzi, Vice-Chairman and Managing Director of Dubai Media Incorporated; and Dr Amina Al Rustamani, CEO, Tecom Investments. Shaikh Mohammed was briefed about the production of TV programming and drama carried out by MBC Group, which has a portfolio of 12 TV channels and two Radio Stations. He was also briefed on the most important contents MBC Group channels offer. Shaikh Mohammed also toured the studios, located in the heart of “Dubai Studio City”, and was familiarised with the state-of-the-art technologies available, expressing his admiration over the advanced level of the studio. During the tour, Shaikh Mohammed watched a short 3-D film, especially prepared for the occasion that embodied a future panoramic view, inspired by the character, cultural and humanitarian components of the city of Dubai, and that projected the larger-than-life future outlook of the city. Later, Shaikh Mohammed was familiarised with the “Visual Backlot” technique compiled by “Stargate” global production technology of simulation visual multidimensional and the green screen technology that allows one to feature scenes from around the world without leaving Dubai. Extending his best wishes for the MBC Group and its staff, Shaikh Mohammed affirmed that the UAE will continue to support both private and government media sectors as well as provide the necessary requirements and space for local, regional and international media outlets operating in Dubai so as to be able to spread the media message and boost their role in building the society and making the future. His Highness also toured two mega sound stages, the largest in the Middle East and Europe, running on an area of 50,000 square feet and inspected the technologies and logistics set up to meet the best international standards before being briefed about the most important achievements and future projects. Shaikh Mohammed expressed his satisfaction over the great accomplishment by Dubai Studio City noting its impact in supporting Dubai strategy towards establishing a high-tech centre for audio-visual production to compete with the best centres established worldwide and, consequently, towards cementing Dubai’s position as a TV and film production hub attracting global production institution and facilitating their work offering cutting-edge services. On its part, the MBC Group expressed its appreciation to UAE’s leadership support for Media institutions and media persons. Continue reading
Shortages in Syrian refugee camps
Shortages in Syrian refugee camps Amanda Fisher / 15 July 2013 Chronic shortages of resources are causing tensions to flare in Syrian refugee camps, says the managing partner of a Dubai-based company that has built accommodation for 6,000 more people fleeing the ongoing conflict. UAE-based company Modular & Mobile Solutions UAE managed the camp, which was knocked up along the Syria-Turkey border in three short months. Kilis Camp, which houses four schools, two mosques, a hospital, clinic, rehabilitation clinic, kitchen and 1,000 “modular homes” that can each accommodate a family of six, was opened two weeks ago and was at half capacity already. The homes, made up of pre-fabricated modules, measure 21 square metres and have running water and electricity, but company managing partner Ben Long said the new camp was no solution to alleviating the pressures facing the ever-growing number of refugees. “Absolutely not, there’s lots more needed. If you look at the project, it’s a big project, there’s 6,000 refugees but there’s 1.6 million registered refugees, and at least that number unregistered.” Tensions were rising inside camps, as people who had had to leave behind their livelihoods battled to get a share of limited resources. “Things are happening at the camps, incidents unfortunately, because there isn’t enough resources, there isn’t enough food or enough water.” Long’s company jointly managed the $6 million project, funded primarily by Kuwaiti charity Islamic Charitable Organisation, alongside Turkish company IHH which works closely with the United Nations — while the Turkish government was providing food. The British expatriate said there were measures in place in order to keep the number of people living at the camp capped with fences around the perimeter and security manning the entrances. “Security is one of the key issues and it is a secure camp, they’ve made sure people can’t just come in…there is an issue with there not being enough housing, but that’s why we need to act together to make more of these communities. We can do it quickly, that the whole thing has been done in three months and we can do it even faster if we get more people working together.” The rehabilitation centre that was operating at the camp was run by doctors and psychologists in order to help people through the emotional turmoil they had experienced. “We have people who can come in and talk about their issues…there’s all kinds of things happening that we can’t even begin to imagine so the rehabilitation team have gone in there with specialists to deal with it,” he said. The community also had provision to help people start working, including a workshop for sewing, while it was hoped a market would eventually start running to “get some trade going”. “Everything’s sort of there in place for people to start moving forward. You’ve got some families who might have a little bit but you’ve got other families with nothing.” amanda@khaleejtimes.com Continue reading
Reciting Quran repeatedly is not enough, says scholar
Reciting Quran repeatedly is not enough, says scholar Ahmed Shaaban / 15 July 2013 Muslims around the world are not mostly well aware that the Holy Quran, with its diverse and incredible verses and teachings, is the real miracle of the nation at all times, said Saudi scholar Dr Sheikh Ibrahim Al Duwaish in a lecture on the ‘Prophet’s deep thinking of the Quran’ on Saturday night. The lecture saw the presence of Shaikh Majid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, other dignitaries and senior officials. In the fourth lecture in a series of 22, being held as part of the 17th session of the Dubai International Holy Quran Award at the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dr Al Duwaish said: “Not only do we need to keep reciting the Quran on a regular basis, but more importantly mull over its verses for more benefits in life and the Hereafter. It is not a matter of how much we read, but rather how deep we understand for application.” The professor of Prophetic Sunnah (sayings and acts) at Al Qassim University, Saudi Arabia, said the Quran is very rich in all types of miracles, be they scientific, lingual, numerical or educational. “To know, understand, and feel such miraculous aspects and others, we should first recite the Quran as due, mull over its verses, and live them as a reality not as a set of instructions for just mental, spiritual and religious grounds.” Giving an example, he said the first chapter of the Quran (Al Fatiha) is the greatest and most comprehensive in the holy book that Muslims need to recite 17 times in the daily obligatory five prayers. “However, very few know about the secrets of such repetition; it is like a perfect weapon we do not know how to use. “Based on the authentic prophetic sayings, Al Fatiha chapter may be recited with the intention of treatment, immunity, supplication, true worship, and wish for guidance to the right path and happiness in life and Hereafter.” Dr Duwaish noted that Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) used to humbly and properly recite the Quran all the year round, particularly in Ramadan and at night, in prayer, verse by verse, alone and in group. “He also preferred to listen to the Quran from others, and never read the Quran in full in less than three days.” Getting ready for recitation alone, with ablution, in a pure place, free mind, confidence, and mulling over every word and context for application are important as well, he added. On Sunday night, Sheikh Talal Fakhir would deliver a lecture on the ‘Prophet’s training to achieve set goals’ and popular Egyptian scholar Dr Sheikh Omar Abdul Kafi will give a lecture on ‘How the Prophet is a harbinger of good and bad tidings’ today. All lectures are slated to start at 10.30pm after the Taraweeh prayer. Valuable prizes await attendees all along the 1 to 20 Ramadan Award. More details are available at the award website (www.quran.gov.ae), by emailing to quran@eim.ae, or on the phone at 04-2610666. ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com Continue reading
